Dutch Connections

Louis van Gaal is United’s first overseas manager, yet from Arnold Muhren to Robin van Persie the Reds have benefitted from strong ties to the Netherlands on the field...

Robin van Persie

Born in Rotterdam Signed Summer 2012 from Arsenal Service Two seasons and counting (2012-present); 73 games, 47 goals

Journey to United The Reds shocked the footballing world by winning the race for his signature once it became clear Arsenal’s captain would not be signing a new contract at the Emirates Stadium. Manchester City had been expected to make another raid on the North Londoners while Juventus were Arsene Wenger’s preferred destination for his superstar striker. However, Sir Alex Ferguson landed his man after some delicate negotiations with his opposite number.

Impact An instant success. Van Persie was top scorer in his debut season, securing the Premier League title winners’ medal he so craved. By recovering from missing with a softly-struck penalty at Southampton to score a hat-trick in a dramatic 3-2 win, he quickly showed he had the mettle to shine for United.

Moment RvP’s sumptuous volley against Aston Villa in April 2013 was the pick of the bunch as his hat-trick clinched the title at Old Trafford.

Quote, unquote "I remember Arsene Wenger saying to me: ‘He’s better than you think’ when we concluded the deal. He was right." – Sir Alex Ferguson.

Alex Buttner

Born in Doetinchem Signed Summer 2012 from Vitesse Arnhem Service Two seasons and counting (2012-present); 27 games, 2 goals

Journey to United A move to Southampton had fallen through but other Premier League and clubs were bidding for his signature. Out of the blue, Sir Alex Ferguson made his move and thrashed out a deal that would see him arrive as Patrice Evra’s left-back understudy.

Impact A goal on his debut was unexpected as he struck via a solo slalom against Wigan Athletic, and he has since shown plenty of ability, particularly when going forward.

Moment He did a fine marking job on dangerman Arjen Robben, his fellow countryman, during the first leg of the 2013/14 Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

Quote, unquote “Alexander is one of the best young left-backs in Europe and we’re delighted to sign him.” – Sir Alex Ferguson.

Edwin van der Saar

Born in Voorhout Signed June 2005 from Fulham Service Six seasons (2005-2011); 266 games

Journey to United Van der Sar broke into top-flight football relatively late, signing for Ajax aged 20, where Louis van Gaal gave him his big break in the game and he won the Champions League. He played in Holland until 1999, before moving to Juventus and then Fulham, where a string of fine performances won him a transfer to United.

Impact Enormous – Van der Sar put an end to several years of keeper chopping and changing, set a new Premier League record (1,311 minutes without conceding) and was voted Best European Goalkeeper of 2009 by UEFA. Calm and consistent, he instilled great confidence among the United defence – and the fans. He boasted fantastic longevity in the game which brought with it invaluable experience.

Moment That crucial save from Nicolas Anelka’s spot-kick clinched shootout victory in 2008’s Champions League final in Moscow.

Quote, unquote “Edwin is right up there with Schmeichel. I can’t separate them in terms of who is better.” – Sir Alex Ferguson

Ruud van Nistelrooy

Born in Oss Signed April 2001 from PSV Eindhoven Service Five seasons (2001-2006); 219 games, 150 goals

Journey to United Ruud banged in the goals for Den Bosch, Heerenveen and PSV Eindhoven, promptly alerting United to the striker. His signing in 2000 was prevented by a knee ligament injury, but Ruud cited the contact with his soon-to-be boss, Sir Alex, as motivation to recover and he finally inked a deal a year later.

Impact Simply phenomenal. Ruud was a goal machine and was in full effect straight away: in his first season he scored 23 in 32 league games (including a streak of eight games in a row), scoring 36 in all competitions. He hit an incredible 44 goals in 2002/03 en route to his only league title at Old Trafford – his exploits in front of goal arguably warranted more team trophies, but his impact was undeniable. He broke United’s all-time European goalscoring record, with a fabulous 38 Champions League strikes, and his games-to-goals ratio is one of the very best the club has ever seen.

Moment His goal celebrations were primal screams and the guttural ‘Ruud, Ruud, Ruud’ that echoed from the stands was spine-tingling. Notably he struck two fine goals at the Millennium stadium to clinch FA Cup victory over Millwall in 2004.

Quote, unquote “Ruud is powerful, strong and leads the line like a proper centre-forward” – Sir Alex Ferguson

Jaap Stam

Born in Kampen Signed May 1998 from PSV Eindhoven Service Three seasons (1998-2001); 127 games, 1 goal

Journey to United The six-foot-three colossus enjoyed a distinguished career in his homeland, most notably for PSV, and by 1998 his powerful performances had attracted the attention of many of Europe’s biggest clubs. He chose United, becoming the most expensive Dutch player – and most expensive defender – of the time.

Impact Initially a slow burner: Jaap looked sluggish on his Charity Shield debut against Arsenal, and took several months to settle into the English game. Once he got his head round the hurly-burly of the Premiership, however, there was no stopping him or, more to the point, getting past him. Blessed with pace, strength, composure and an unparalleled reading of the game, he formed superb partnerships with both Ronny Johnsen and Henning Berg. Stam kept it simple: he won almost every ball he went for – on the floor or in the air – and was a deceptively good passer. He was particularly pivotal in the second half of the glorious Treble season, as United went unbeaten for 33 games. The Stam-marshalled back four also finished the 2000/01 campaign with the best defensive record in the league. An absolute rock.

Moment That brilliant goalline clearance against Juventus in the 1999 Champions League semi-final. Had that one gone in, we’d never have had a trip to Barcelona…

Quote, unquote “Jaap Stam – what a beast of a player!” – Zinedine Zidane

Jordi Cruyff

Born in Amsterdam Signed Summer 1996 from Barcelona Service Four seasons (1996-2000); 58 games, 8 goals

Journey to United The manager was keen to add some continental flair and European nous to his squad as he targeted Champions League glory. Cruyff, son of legendary Johan, was unhappy at Barcelona and had showcased his talents at Euro ‘96 in England. A clause in his contract meant Sir Bobby Robson was unable to convince him to remain in Catalonia and he moved to Manchester.

Impact Although he struggled to adapt to the physical nature of the Premier League he still showed flashes of his undisputed ability. Earned a title winners’ medal in 1997 but was away from the club, on loan at Celta Vigo, when the Treble was secured two years later.

Moment His last goal for the club was a late winner at Watford in a game where Nicky Butt and Micah Hyde were both sent off.

Quote, unquote “English football has its own style. They play with the heart. For attacking players, it is very nice but, in Europe, the opponents think with their heads.” – Jordi Cruyff.

Raimond van der Gouw

Born in Oldenzaal Signed Summer 1996 from Vitesse Arnhem Service Six seasons (1996-2002); 60 games

Journey to United Sir Alex Ferguson was on the lookout for an experienced keeper who would be prepared to accept playing second fiddle to undisputed no.1 Peter Schmeichel. His scouts came up trumps in recommending the 33-year-old.

Impact A safe pair of hands. He actually played enough games in the season after Schmeichel exited to earn a title medal. Ferguson openly felt the Dutchman was better suited to European games and sometimes sprung a surprise by selecting him ahead of Mark Bosnich and Fabien Barthez.

Moment Thrown in at the deep end for the 1997 Champions League semi-final with Borussia Dortmund, he performed heroically despite a 1-0 defeat.

Quote, unquote “I felt Raimond could handle the big games. He gets around his area very quickly.” – Sir Alex Ferguson.

Arnold Muhren

Born in Volendam Signed Summer 1982 from Ipswich Service Three seasons (1982-1985); 98 games, 18 goals

Journey to United One of the few foreign players to really shine in the English league during the early 1980s. After four brilliant seasons with Ipswich Town, during which he won the UEFA Cup under Bobby Robson, Muhren switched to Ron Atkinson’s United. The level-headed midfielder soon showed his class and he made almost a century of appearances in three seasons at Old Trafford until Johan Cruyff invited him back to former club Ajax.

Impact A pioneer. An energetic, skilful midfield presence with a great passing range, he was the first Dutchman to play in an FA Cup final – the 2-2 draw against Brighton in 1983 – and scored from the spot in the replay with his fine left peg.

Moment That cool FA Cup final spot-kick helped the Reds to glory at Wembley.

Quote, unquote “What a team we had back then – Bryan Robson, Ray Wilkins, Remi Moses and myself in midfield. I enjoyed myself.” – Arnold Muhren