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Alexander Buttner completes move to Manchester United
Manchester United have completed the signing of Alexander Buttner from Vitesse Arnhem for an undisclosed fee.
The Dutch left-back, 23, who came close to joining Southampton earlier this summer, has signed a five-year deal.
Analysis
Dutch football commentator Mark Van Rijswik speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "When the news came through about Manchester United it was a very big surprise in the Netherlands that he would make that kind of move. He's decent but he's nowhere near someone like Patrice Evra, so no-one really understood it."
Buttner was picked in the Netherlands' provisional squad for Euro 2012 but was not selected for the tournament.
"Alexander is one of the best young left-backs in Europe and we're delighted to sign him," United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said.
"He's someone we've been watching for a while now. He gives us some really exciting options in that position."
Buttner, who has spent his entire career with Vitesse, said: "Joining Manchester United is one of the best days of my life.
"It's a team I have admired for many years now and I can't wait to join my teammates and play my part in helping the club be successful."
Ferguson has been in the market for cover for first-choice left-back Patrice Evra all summer after allowing Fabio to join QPR on loan for the season.
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Comment number 161.
bobbymanc23rd August 2012 - 13:56
Amazing how uniteds scout in europe doesnt rate this guy but saf thinks he is world class, or at least cheap!!
Link to this (Comment number 161)
Comment number 160.
kirk23rd August 2012 - 9:24
The only other team like it is spurs eg lennon bale they don't always go for big well known signings
Link to this (Comment number 160)
Comment number 159.
liverpool8423rd August 2012 - 4:17
united have made alot of players better, but Rooney always looked like becoming a world class player when he joined from everton for 25 million. Alot of players have been proven and joined united, Rio, Berbatov, Anderson, Ruud, Carrick, Veron. Even Nani was semi proven at 17 mill. BUT i have to admit it Fergi and his staff are great in the transfer market and make good players better.
Link to this (Comment number 159)
Comment number 158.
kirk23rd August 2012 - 3:03
United are known for buying players unknown eg nani ronaldo bebe the only well known world class player they brought thats well known is rvp even rooney wasn't world class when he first came to united. united turn players world class
Link to this (Comment number 158)
Comment number 157.
Balotellis Bib22nd August 2012 - 21:32
@155 Yeah, gotta have respect for Liverpool and their achievements, even if it is through gritted teeth!
Wouldn't worry, just some people on here don't know how to banter properly.
Link to this (Comment number 157)
Comments 5 of 161