Stats: How new £6m United target has performed at the World Cup

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Manchester United have been linked with Holland midfielder Nigel de Jong, but how has the player performed this summer for his country?

Manchester United have been linked with yet another midfielder, this time in the shape of AC Milan’s Nigel de Jong.

The former Manchester City midfielder has been a vital part of Luis van Gaal’s Dutch side at this summer’s World Cup, playing every minute of their group games against Australia and Spain. And given his strength in central areas it is no surprise to see his name linked with United.

The Sunday Mirror reported this weekend that van Gaal had tasked his new club with completing a £6million move for the 29-year-old. But that fee sounds small considering the player’s experience, age and the fact that his contract in Italy runs until the summer of 2015.

But if United did sign him, have his recent performances suggested they would be getting an effective addition?

As you can see from the Opta stats below, de Jong may be a defensive midfielder but he still knows where the goal is, having two goal-scoring attempts in Brazil to date and getting both on target.

But of course the real bread-and-butter of his game is further back, and he has won six tackles this summer, along with five interceptions. Crucially, he has also failed to be dispossessed; not bad when you consider the Spanish side he came up against at the start of the tournament.

United’s midfield lacks strength and influence but de Jong’s arrival would change that. He is formidable in the tackle and a real challenge to beat, and while £6million is unlikely to do the trick, it may be possible to sign him for considerably less than the likes of William Carvalho and Sami Khedira, who have also been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent times.