article_snippet.sent: Borussia Dortmund's ball-playing midfielder  midfielder 
article_snippet.sent: Van Gaal has an intrinsic knowledge of the Bundesliga and believes the 24-year-old has the ability to take over from Michael Carrick's on a long-term basis.
article_snippet.sent: Carrick, who recently signed a new 12 month extension, will continue to be part of Van Gaal plans next season - but the club are planning for life without Van Gaal.
article_snippet.sent: Van Gaal believes Dortmund's ball-playing midfielder is the perfect replacement for current midfielder Michael Carrick's .
article_snippet.sent: Van Gaal has been hugely impressed with Michael Carrick's's contribution at Old Trafford this season.
article_snippet.sent: The England international's passing range and ability to dictate the pace of a match has been a key feature for Manchester United this season.
article_snippet.sent: But at the age of 33, the Dutchman knows Dortmund's ball-playing midfielder is in the twilight of the Dutchman career, while the amount of time Michael Carrick's has spent injured this season is also a worry.
highlights_snippet.sent: Germany international has scored nine goals in 75 games for Borussia Dortmund .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Arsenal were also linked with a move for the 24-year-old midfielder .