Netherlands attacker Cody Gakpo scored the goal to set his side on course for victory in their World Cup opener against Senegal.
Gakpo’s 84th minute header broke the deadlock, before an injury time goal from Davy Klaassen sealed a 2-0 victory for the Dutch.
Gakpo was of interest to Manchester United in the summer transfer window, with the player telling The Times he held talks with manager Erik ten Hag.
He remains of interest to United in future transfer windows, report The Mail. He did his chances of a move no harm at all by stepping up to decide his country’s opening World Cup game.
33 goal contributions
Gakpo is enjoying the best season of his career so far, and is putting up staggering numbers.
He has 33 goal contributions this season already for PSV Eindhoven and the Netherlands.
This includes two goals and one assist for his country, and 13 goals and 17 assists for PSV in all competitions.
Gakpo’s numbers are the type which many players would be satisfied with for the entire season. It’s only mid-November.
While easy to cast aspersions towards the Eredivisie, this World Cup goal is a big notch on his belt, and the tournament is just getting started.
Gakpo created three goalscoring chances in the win, which saw him deployed in a number 10 role.
It is his versatility which can help him become a very useful player for Manchester United. Gakpo can play behind the striker, out wide, or even as the main striker.
United’s attack has not scored enough goals this season, just 20 in 14 Premier League games. Adding a missing piece like Gakpo can make the team more dangerous in the final third.
Erik ten Hag saw him score in the KNVB Cup final last season which inflicted a rare 2-1 defeat upon his Ajax side, and so he is well aware of his quality.
Fabrizio Romano says he will set clubs back around £40 million. This figure could increase if he continues to shine at the World Cup.
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