Manchester United clinched all three points on Sunday with a 3-2 win over Liverpool in what was a topsy-turvy affair.
With the victory, United guaranteed their place in next season’s Champions League and completed a league double over Liverpool for the first time since the 2015–16 season.
For the first time in nearly a decade, United appear to be in a more stable position than their bitter Merseyside rivals, and the upcoming transfer window will give them the opportunity to increase the gap even further.
Manchester United plotting Micky van de Ven swoop
Known as Tottenham Hotspur’s “speed machine” in defence, Micky van de Ven has been on Liverpool’s wishlist since his Wolfsburg days.
According to The Boy Hotspur, Liverpool see him as the natural successor to Virgil van Dijk. However, United have now entered the race to sign Van de Ven, “shifting the balance of the transfer market.”
The 25-year-old Dutchman was initially viewed as a face of Spurs’ future project, but their stunning collapse has disrupted all plans.
The 6’4″ defender is now facing an uncertain future in north London despite having more than three years remaining on his contract.
Manchester United in pole position to sign Liverpool target
It is claimed United have identified Van de Ven as the “ideal candidate” to reinforce their backline.
Furthermore, United are reportedly prepared to allocate £55–60 million to get the deal over the line for the Netherlands international, who is also on Real Madrid and Bayern Munich’s radar.
It is understood that United’s financial power makes them the “strongest contender”.
“United supporters are already dreaming of a Van de Ven–Martínez partnership,” the report adds.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have supposedly already begun exploring replacements and are thought to be leading the race to sign Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi.
Featured image George Wood via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social