Man Utd given Erik ten Hag incentive as double raid on Ajax offers obvious solution

Rangnick insists Man Utd players are adapting to his methodsx

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Manchester United could have an extra incentive in luring Erik ten Hag to the club as their next manager. Ten Hag is among the favourites to be appointed as the permanent Red Devils boss in the summer. Ralf Rangnick is currently holding the fort on an interim basis until he takes up a consultancy role at the end of the season.

United have spent big in the transfer market in recent seasons in both defence and attack.

Harry Maguire remains the most-expensive centre-back of all time at £80million, with his partner Raphael Varane costing £34m last summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho were brought to the club in the same window as Varane to bolster the attacking resources.

But less has been spent on improving the middle of the park, with the likes of Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic receiving plenty of criticism this season.

TOP STORY: Newcastle ‘hold private chats’ with Saint-Maximin about signing his former team-mate

However, bringing Ten Hag to Old Trafford could create the perfect opportunity to end that trend.

United have long been linked with moves for England duo Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.

Rice rejected a new contract at West Ham earlier this season, with his current deal set to expire in 2024.

But the 23-year-old has established himself as one of the best in the Premier League and the Hammers are likely to demand an extortionate amount for him this summer, with reports claiming his price tag could even be as high as £200m.

DON’T MISS

Tottenham working to sell four stars and top Conte target ‘wants Spurs move’ [TRANSFERS]
PSG ‘in talks’ to sign Man Utd star Paul Pogba and Tottenham target in Kylian Mbappe plan [GOSSIP]
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah snubbed as Man Utd’s Cristiano Ronaldo claims FIFA Best award [NEWS]

Bellingham is still only 18 but is a regular starter for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

United would have to pay a lot more than the £25million Dortmund did to sign him from Birmingham in 2020.

With those two signings potentially put on the back-burner for now, Ten Hag could help sign another target.

Ajax star Ryan Gravenberch is establishing a reputation as one of Holland’s most exciting young talents and would undoubtedly offer United a solution to their problems in midfield.

He has already won 10 caps for his country at the age of 19 and will be close to 100 appearances for Ajax come the end of this season.

Dutch outlet De Telegraaf claimed last October that both United and Liverpool were interested in the player.

United fans may be cautious about the last player they signed from Ajax – Donny van de Beek.

Van de Beek would likely be one who would get more of an opportunity under Ten Hag.

But it is deeper in midfield where United are desperate for improvement.

Ten Hag gave Gravenberch his debut at Ajax at the age of 16 and the midfielder became the club’s youngest-ever player to play in the Eredivisie when he made his top-flight bow.

Ajax know only too well that their young talent will not hang around for too long.

Gravenberch will have plenty of suitors, with his current contract set to expire in 18 months’ time.

But if United can secure the services of Ten Hag as their next manager, then it would be an obvious step for both club and player to unite.

Source: Read Full Article