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Football

23rd Aug 2018

Patrick Kluivert explains why son Justin didn’t go to Manchester United

He is one of the most highly rated young players in Europe and was linked with a move to Manchester United but ended up going to Roma

Reuben Pinder

Justin Kluivert is one of the hottest prospects in Europe at the moment

The Dutchman was linked with a move to Manchester United during the summer, but ended up leaving Ajax to join Roma. A tricky winger with bags of potential, his father Patrick, who played for Ajax, Barcelona and AC Milan, believes he made the right choice in not going to Manchester United.

“He must travel miles to get to where I did, but he’s shown talent, plus he has the character and time to have a great career,” Kluivert told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Manchester United

“I think United would have been too big a jump,” he explained. “Roma are an important club but the pressures are less. Roma don’t have to win at any cost and it is a club that is used to good football. It is the ideal place for Justin right now.”

“I want to see him win with Roma and I want to see him happy,” he continued.

However, in an ideal world, Kluivert senior would have preferred for his son to continue his development at Ajax for one more season.

“I’m very satisfied with what he’s doing. He doesn’t talk much, but he’s someone who knows how to listen and is motivated. I wanted him to stay at Ajax for another year, but he made his choice. “