Inter’s Wesley Sneijder urged to join Manchester United by Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk

Bert van Marwijk, Netherlands (Getty Images)

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Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has encouraged Wesley Sneijder to leave Inter for Manchester United this summer by claiming that a move to the Premier League champions would be a step forward for him.

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United are keen to add the Dutch playmaker to their squad as they prepare for life after Paul Scholes, and Goal.com exclusively revealed earlier this week that chief executive David Gill travelled to Milan on Tuesday to finalise a deal for the player.

Van Marwijk said to Voetbal International: “A transfer to Manchester United would only make Wesley a better player. He has already played for some top clubs in Real Madrid and Inter, but I think that United will be another step forward for him.

“Because of their footballing philosophy and the level they play at, but also because it’s a new challenge. It will inspire him and give him new energy.”

The coach then went on to explain that a transfer to Manchester United would not only be in Sneijder’s best interest, but would also be positive for the Netherlands.

He said: “It will also be good for the national team. Manchester United’s style of play is more similar to the way we play than Inter’s. Wesley gets the ball in a deeper position in Oranje than with his club. We get him involved in our build-up play and also in our opponents’ half. That’s where he’s at his best with his through passes and long distance shots. 

“He plays a lot higher up the pitch in Italy and often has to fight against five or six defenders. I can see Wesley making the same impact at United as with Oranje. I think that he would fit in very well.”

The 27-year-old has a contract until the summer of 2015 with Inter, but the 2010 Champions League winners are ready to part company with their star midfielder if an offer in the region of €40 million (£35m) comes in.