Today, Dutch defender Alexander Büttner has completed his medical, agreed personal terms and signed for Manchester United on a five-year contract until 2017.
Buttner had previously attracted interest from the likes of Southampton, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers – but now United have made their move and sealed the deal for the 23 year old.
Since most people probably won’t know who United’s new man is, here’s a transfer profile.
Age: 23 years old
Position: Left Back
Bio
Having joined the club after progressing through Ajax’s youth ranks, Buttner has spent his entire senior career in Holland with Eredivisie club Vitesse.
Over the past 4 years he has made 119 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals in total.
This summer, Büttner was named in the provisional list of 36 players for the Euro 2012 tournament. One of nine uncapped players to be chosen by Netherlands manager Bert van Marwijk as part of his preliminary squad.
Positioning and Ability
Buttner’s major strengths include his attitude and work ethic. Whilst working under the watchful eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson and the experienced coaches at Old Trafford, this can only result in improvement.
The 23 year old is adept on both wings and can even play as a right back. Buttner’s 10 goals in 119 matches is not a bad scoring record considering his position as a defender.
How will he fit in?
It is about time United had some competition in the left back slot. Evra’s performances over the past 18 months haven’t been sufficient for a team fighting for the league title. The Frenchman has become far too comfortable in his guaranteed starting spot and his lazy approach has become one of United’s weakest links.
The lightning quick Büttner will be breathing down his neck and at a reported €5 million, it is a sound investment to try and build some depth into the Red Devil’s defence.
Ferguson has made it clear this summer that the club have been chasing a left back. A transfer for Leighton Baines, a name linked heavily with the club, now seems unlikely. However Buttner could turn out to be the more sensible option.
Managers Comment
“Alexander is one of the best young left backs in Europe and we’re delighted to sign him. He’s someone we’ve been watching for a while now. He gives us some really exciting options in that position.”
