Dutch icon names club Orkun Kokcu should join instead of Manchester United

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Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu is a target for Manchester United has been urged to consider moving to Borussia Dortmund instead.

At least, that is the opinion of Roy Makaay; a former Netherlands international who played arguably the best football of his career on German soil with Bayern Munich, tipping Kokcu to follow in his footsteps.

According to Rotterdam-based publication 1908, Erik ten Hag has his sights fixed on another Eredivisie talent, perhaps inspired by the success of Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Antony at Old Trafford.

Kokcu may lack the stature and reputation of Frenkie de Jong. What he does offer, however, is the sort of energy, running power, press resistance and ball-carrying ability that made De Jong one of Europe’s standout young talents during his time under Ten Hag at Ajax.

Manchester United like Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu

“He has developed great. Kokcu was not only outstanding (against Roma in the UEFA Europa League). But throughout the season,” Makaay tells FC Rijnmond of a man who could captain Feyenoord to only their second Eredivisie title since the turn of the Century.

Eredivisie icon Wim Kieft believes a potential £40 million move to Manchester United is too much too soon. Makaay tends to agree. He adds that a club who transformed Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho into some of Europe’s brightest talents would be the ideal destination for a 22-year-old still unproven in a major domestic league.

Kokcu has scored 12 goals and provided four assists this season.

“Borussia Dortmund is, of course, a great team. I think he would fit in well there,” adds Makaay, a Bundesliga champion in 2005 and 2006.

“A nice stepping stone.”

Manchester United’s track record when signing players from Dortmund, meanwhile, is decidedly mixed. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Shinji Kagawa had their moments; a stunning scorpion kick here, a hat-trick vs Norwich City there. But neither player really performed consistently in United red.

Sancho’s Man United career appears to be heading in a similar direction as things stand; the England international underwhelming again versus Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.