Englishman Is ‘Definitely’ Joining Man Utd – He Met With Ten Hag After Ajax’s Title Win
REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw
Man Utd have intensified their summer rebuild plans following Erik ten Hag’s league title win with Ajax.
The Dutchman wrapped his third Eredivisie title in four years after his side’s 5-0 win over Heerenveen on Wednesday night. And hours after Ajax’s triumph, United football director John Murtough met with Ten Hag in Amsterdam.
The meeting was to discuss strategy, including potential incomings, ahead of pre-season. The 52-year-old reportedly wants two midfielders, a versatile forward and a centre-half in the summer transfer window.
United are pursuing a deal for Frenkie de Jong, though a lack of Champions League football may jeopardise Ten Hag’s hopes of reuniting with the Netherlands international.
It remains to be seen whether Murtough manages to give Ten Hag his priority transfer target, but Thursday’s meeting in Amsterdam confirmed at least one reunion will take place ahead of the new season.
In a key strategy meeting, Steve McClaren joined Ten Hag along with the incoming manager’s Ajax assistant Mitchell van der Gaag and Murtough.
According to the Telegraph’s Jason Burt, the Englishman is definitely joining United’s coaching staff. Ten Hag has been adamant to work again with his former FC Twente colleague. Further, Van der Gaag has reached full agreement to follow the Ajax boss to England.
Now that the backroom team is close to being finalised, United can turn their full focus on the player recruitment process, starting with convincing De Jong to form a part of Ten Hag’s rebuild. Barcelona are believed to be open to selling the talented midfielder due to their dire financial situation.