Three Ajax stars Erik ten Hag should bring to Manchester United

Updated: July 25, 2022 at 7:18 pm GMT+1

Manchester United are expected to appoint a permanent manager at the end of the current season.

Given Ralf Rangnick has not exactly set the world alight since stepping into the Old Trafford dugout, it is fair to assume that he will not be getting the job on a permanent basis.

This leaves the door open for a fresh face to step in, with the Mirror reporting over the weekend that Erik ten Hag is ‘ready to answer Manchester United’s SOS’ and is considering his future at Ajax due to the exit of Marc Overmars and the constant turnover of players at the Dutch club.

It is added that Ten Hag has strong support inside Old Trafford and whilst Mauricio Pochettino is also in the frame for the job, Ten Hag’s willingness to forge a strong working relationship with a director of football could give him an edge.

Three Ajax players Manchester United should sign

So, if Ten Hag does end up becoming Manchester United boss, there is a decent chance he will look to Ajax to strengthen the Red Devils.

De Godenzonen have always been excellent at developing talent and there are a number of players on their books currently that would probably improve Manchester United.

With this in mind, 101 have taken a look at three players Erik ten Hag should bring to Manchester United from Ajax.

Sebastien Haller

With Cristiano Ronaldo 37 and Edinson Cavani out of contract in the summer, Manchester United’s options at centre-forward are currently less than ideal.

Anthony Martial is due to return to Old Trafford in the summer after his loan with Sevilla, but his time with United does look to be over anyway.

This leaves Manchester United very much needing a new striker in the summer. And whilst some United fans may turn their noses up at Haller after his uninspiring stint with West Ham, Ten Hag has really been able to get the best out of the Ivorian since he made the switch to the Netherlands.

Haller has scored 19 and assisted seven in 23 league games this term. But what has been most impressive about Haller at Ajax is his sensational record in the Champions League, netting 11 and assisting two in seven appearances so far.

Antony

Another spot Manchester United are short in right now is the wide areas.

Jesse Lingard is currently set to leave the club for free in the summer, Martial’s future looks to be elsewhere and Mason Greenwood is currently out on bail.

This would leave just Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho as natural wide players for the 2022/23 campaign.

So, signing Antony, whose electrifying pace and quick feet would cause Premier League defences all sorts of issues, seems like a smart move.

The Brazilian is still only young at 22 but is already performing at the highest level – assisting four and scoring two in six Champions League games this season.