Manchester United Handed Boost for Moyes' First Summer Signing

Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of PSV Eindhoven midfielder Kevin Strootman. The Eredivisie club's manager Dick Advocaat insists the player needs to leave the club in the summer as he believes the Dutch international deserves to play with the top European clubs.

"[Strootman would be good for] Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, but I think he's also good enough for Manchester City and Manchester United. Strootman is nothing less than Gareth Barry. He's a very useful player for every team. Especially when he's surrounded by better players," Advocaat said.

"For PSV it would be good if he stays, but for Strootman himself it's better to leave. He's the reserve captain of the Dutch national squad and PSV will make another step next season. This guy fits everywhere. He's a fantastic player because he knows exactly what his qualities are," the PSV manager added.

The 23-year-old has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford. In addition to this, United's incoming manager David Moyes has been closely monitoring Strootman's progress with PSV, as he was planning to bring the player to Goodison Park.

However, the 50-year-old will replace Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer and Moyes could possibly make Strootman his first signing as United manager. Should the Dutch star decide to make a move to Old Trafford in the summer, it will bolster their midfield in the wake of the likely retirement of Paul Scholes.

Mourinho Sad after Ferguson Retirement

Meanwhile, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho claims he was sad when he came to know of Ferguson's decision to retire from football at the end of the season. The Portuguese boss feels facing United will never be the same as it was when the Scot was in charge. However, the former Chelsea manager hailed the 71-year-old for having a successful career with the Premier League champions.

"When Sir Alex called me to give me the honour of knowing from him his decision, I was surprised and sad. It will be difficult for me, and I think all managers, to go to Old Trafford and play against Manchester United without this mythical figure waiting for us. At the same time, I was happy to feel his emotion, and pride for such an amazing career," Mourinho said.