Virgil van Dijk talked Cody Gakpo out of signing for Manchester United

If Manchester United fans needed any more reason to dislike Virgil van Dijk, here it is.

Manchester United are rumoured to be interested in signing Cody Gakpo. And why wouldn’t they be? The Dutch forward has performed amazingly at this year’s World Cup and he is certainly catching the attention of the world.

The interest has been long-standing, though. As it was rumoured that in the summer transfer window, Manchester United toyed with the idea of signing Gakpo but opted not to in the end.

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Virgil van Dijk talks Cody Gakpo out of signing for Manchester United

It has been confirmed by Express that it was Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s defender, who spoke his international teammate out of signing for Manchester United. In a press conference, the Netherlands defender claimed that he would like to see Gakpo play for Real Madrid, because they are a level above Manchester United. He went on to say Gakpo had more of a chance of succeeding at a top-level club.

The Red Devils will not like this, but Virgil van Dijk is speaking nothing but facts. When assessing these situations, it is important we remain neutral and unbiased – United are not the club they used to be. And they are quite a way away from getting to that level again.

Put yourself in the mind of Gakpo – you are a young and upcoming talent with the world at your feet. You are coming off the back of a terrific tournament in which you have played well, several European giants are approaching you to sign for them.

Unless you are completely bias and out of touch, you will not choose Manchester United. You will choose a club that are on an upward trajectory and playing at the greatest level of European football. I know I would, anyway.

What do you make of Virgil van Dijk’s comments about Gakpo’s future?