I've spent over 20 years inside the betting industry. I'll guide you to avoid the hype, ignore the noise, and steer clear of the common pitfalls that catch out everyday punters.
You joined United for a then world record fee for a defender, ÂŁ10.6 million. There's been a lot of big money fees in the Premier League this year that haven't necessarily hit the ground running. How did you cope when you came in for the big fee?
It's a difficult thing in the world and there's a lot of pressure on you as a player at that time. There's a lot of attention.
When the deal was done, we went after the season into the World Cup in 98. Then you see that there's a lot of press, of course, in the press conferences. The media is there.
If you're not playing too well, then straight away there's comments in the papers. People talk about it. So you feel that as a player and you know it in the back of your head, but you still want to continue playing and doing well and show your performances.
If you don't succeed every time, then there's a lot of pressure coming on to you and then you need to learn to live with it and handle it.
In Holland everything was easier and more comfortable. Going to United with all that pressure, people talking about you, that makes it a totally different world.
Handling big-money pressure đź’°
Obviously it must have been incredibly difficult adapting to a new country, new language, new pace of the game. At what point do you think it clicked for you and did you ever have any doubts about whether it would work out?
Pre-season went quite OK, but the Charity Shield against Arsenal was difficult and I didn't play too well.
Straight after that game there was a lot in the press questioning whether I was worth the money. I was staying in a hotel at the time, my wife and daughter were still in Holland, and I doubted myself.
I thought about whether I made the right choice and if I could find my feet at United. There was a lot of doubt and it wasn't easy.
Sir Alex was very important. He told me not to read the papers, that he was confident in me and that’s why they bought me.
After that I could fully focus on the game, train without pressure and gradually my performances improved. After the first couple of months I felt more comfortable.
At a big club like United you start from scratch and need to prove yourself again to show you’re worth the money.
Belief from the boss đź”´
Speaking of some of the best defenders in the world, you've worked with Nesta, Maldini and Cafu. How would you say their approach differed or who taught you the most?
It's not about them teaching me. We're the same age but there was a lot of respect between us.
You learn through training, games, analysis and discussions about how to solve situations.
You talk about positions, your own game and certain scenarios. Sometimes they give advice, sometimes I do.
If you want to improve, you learn from situations and discussions together.
Learning together đź§
A lot's been made about your departure from Manchester United. Why do you think Sir Alex sold you?
The book was used as an excuse but there was nothing harmful in it.
I think it was about the budget. I was injured at the time with my Achilles and there was doubt whether I could get back to my level.
Lazio offered a lot of money and United needed to fill the budget. That’s why they made the decision.
Why Stam left United đź’Ľ
Sir Alex later admitted it was a mistake to sell you. What was your reaction?
A lot of people called me when it came out. I said he could have bought me back.
Sir Alex was tough but fair. If he made a mistake, he owned it.
I left because I wanted to play. I went to Lazio, became a better player and showed myself in another league.
I’ve met Sir Alex many times since. He brought me to United and made me a better player and person. I’m very thankful for that.
Respect remains 🤝
What do you think Michael Carrick has done to turn things around at United?
The most obvious thing is that he changed the system.
Players feel more comfortable in their positions and it’s harder for opponents to read them.
They defend well together, play with confidence and have more possession.
He’s given the players belief and confidence and hopefully they can continue this form.
If United qualify for the Champions League, should Carrick get the job permanently?
They need to talk to him.
You need someone connected to players, tactically smart and able to adapt.
Carrick has shown that in his first games.
If not Carrick, who would you like as next United manager?
I like De Zerbi very much.
He plays possession football, attacks, scores goals and gives players confidence.
He’s also a strong man-manager which you need at a big club.
What have you made of the centre back partnership between Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez?
I think it's good.
Maguire has shown leadership and quality even when things were difficult.
Martinez builds play from the back. Together they balance well.
Do you think Maguire deserves a place in the England squad?
He’s physical, strong in the air and reads the game well.
He communicates, leads and can score goals.
His experience is important for big tournaments.
Who should United sign in the summer?
Frenkie de Jong.
He brings extra quality and control to midfield.
Do you think Arsenal are out of sight in the title race?
No, it’s still a long way to go.
Arsenal are consistent but City can still be dangerous.
Mentality and fight will decide it.
What do you make of City’s inconsistency?
New players need time.
It’s easier chasing than leading.
With Pep and that squad, they remain dangerous.
What are Holland’s chances at the 2026 World Cup?
We’re outsiders.
If everyone is committed and aligned, we can challenge.
It would be special to win a major trophy.
