United's Move for Mats Hummels in Doubt After Freiburg Block Ginter's Departure

Manchester United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels as his replacement Matthias Ginter has been told that he will not be allowed to leave Freiburg this summer, according to the Express.

Hummels has been on United's radar ever since Louis van Gaal was appointed. With Nemanja Vidic leaving for Inter Milan and Rio Ferdinand on the final year of his contract, defensive reinforcements were a major priority for the incoming manager.

Dortmund had reportedly lined up Ginter as a replacement for Hummels. The Freiburg defender had earlier in the week spoken about his desire to move to a bigger club this summer, with Dortmund being his preferred and only choice.

"I will only move to Borussia Dortmund, there is no plan B, it was the club that I rooted for and the fans are fantastic," Ginter said.

"It would be nice if we could resolve the issue now before the World Cup starts," he added.

However, the 20-year-old defender has been told by his club that he will not be allowed to leave this summer. Freiburg chairman Fritz Keller feels that it is better for the club and the player if he remains for another year.

"Matthias will play for SC Freiburg also next season; this is what we have told him already, it's about our responsibility regarding a young player of 20 years of age," Keller said, as quoted in the Express.

"It's best for everyone that he stays one more year at SC Freiburg," he said.

With Ginter staying at Freiburg for another year, Dortmund will be very reluctant to let Hummels go, leaving United in a quandary as he had been their number one defensive target.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils goalkeeper David De Gea has been speaking about new United manager Louis van Gaal, whose Dutch team he will come up against in Spain's World Cup opener. He feels the incoming manager will lift United and also introduce them to a new style of play.

"Louis van Gaal is a coach who has won everything. He's an outstanding manager who will bring great things to Manchester United. I think we're going to do great with him in charge of the team," De Gea explained.

"He's going to turn things around at Manchester United and bring a different playing style with him," he added.