Van Gaal hoping to take World Cup Dutch duo to Old Trafford

New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is reportedly hoping to bring compatriots Jordy Clasie and Bruno Martins Indi with him to Old Trafford in the summer, most likely after the trio return from the World Cup – if picked. The Red Devils are 6/1 to win the Premier League next season.

The Dutch duo, both 22, have been called up by current Netherlands boss Van Gaal in the 30-man preliminary squad to go to Brazil, and the highly-rated young Feyenoord pair would be excellent additions to United.

Midfielder Clasie impressed this season for his club, playing in all but two league games and helping them to second place. He was primarily used in a holding role, captaining them nine times, and has been compared in style to former favourite Paul Scholes and Barcelona magician Xavi.

Clasie featured in the most recent international friendly against Ecuador, and played the pin-point pass to reach potential new clubmate Robin van Persie, before the striker spectacularly found the net. Could Man Utd be seeing that partnership at Old Trafford next term?

The diminutive playmaker featured in five World Cup qualifying games for the Netherlands and, with Kevin Strootman out though injury, he looks a certainty to go.

Portuguese-born Martins Indi, meanwhile, is adept to playing both at left back (mainly for Feyenoord) and in the centre (where Van Gaal prefers him for the Netherlands). He played in eight of his country’s World Cup qualifiers, and his versatility means he is likely to go to the finals.

With long-term defensive partners Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic leaving Old Trafford this summer, and the club looking for another left sided full back, despite Patrice Evra signing a new deal, the addition of Martins Indi would be welcomed.

Van Gaal, 11/8 to win a major trophy with United in 2014/15, has a reputation for giving youngsters a chance, and this Dutch pair would be a fantastic part of the new Red Devils revolution.

If Clasie and Martins Indi manage to make the 23-man squad cut for Brazil, then they face the tough task of going up against World Cup holders Spain, as well as Chile and Australia in Group B.

Clockwork Orange are second-equal favourites both to finish top of that pool at 3/1, and qualify to the knockout rounds odds-on at 8/11. Last competition’s finalists are 33/1, meanwhile, to go one step further and lift their first title to cap the end of Van Gaal’s tenure.