Alexander Buttner: Player Profile for Manchester United's Newest Transfer

Manchester United has reportedly signed 23-year-old left back Alexander Buttner from Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem to bolster the strength of its defense, according to ESPN Soccernet:

But it has now emerged that United have agreed a deal to sign Van Persie's compatriot Buttner in a deal reported to be worth £3.9 million.

According to reports in the Netherlands, Buttner flew to Manchester on Sunday and is expected to undergo a medical on Monday.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson needed to add some more depth to the left-back position after loaning Brazilian defender Fabio to QPR in July, which left veteran Patrice Evra as the only natural left-back in the squad.

Let's look at a complete profile of United's newest signing.

Basic Info

Born: February 11, 1989

Height: 5'7"

Weight: 165 lbs

Recent Club Career and Statistics

What Kind of Impact Will Buttner Have on United?

Aside from the obvious depth he provides the club at the left-back position, Buttner will be able to use his pace down the flanks and join the attack. He likes to go forward and see if he can score, or set up teammates with a cross into the penalty area.

His athleticism is also very impressive.

Defensively, his game still needs a bit of work, but playing in the Premier League will help him a lot. He isn't a bad defender by any means and has good defensive awareness, which prevents him from being caught out of position.

Buttner will also bring some nice versatility, since he can play left- or right-back and still be comfortable in all areas of the pitch.

He has all the skills needed to eventually become the first-choice left-back when Evra leaves the club or is no longer talented enough to keep Buttner from starting.

Lots of Potential

Ferguson is the perfect manager to develop Buttner's talents. He also has a veteran in Evra who can mentor him and show the young Dutchman what it takes to play left-back at a club like Manchester United.

He will also be quite motivated to succeed at United and earn his first cap with the Dutch national team. After watching how poorly the Netherlands defended at Euro 2012, adding Buttner to their World Cup qualifying roster would be a good idea.

Dutch players have normally found success at United. Edwin van der Sar, who retired after the 2010-11 season, was one of the finest goalkeepers in club history. Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was also a top player for the Red Devils.

Buttner is a very smart signing for Ferguson, who now has three young defenders in Fabio, Rafael and Buttner, who will compete for starting left-back and right-back roles going forward.

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Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.