Mirror:Four Erik ten Hag signings at Ajax that hint at Man Utd’s new transfer direction

Views: 0

Erik ten Hag is edging closer to becoming Manchester United ‘s next manager after the club reached an agreement in principle with the Ajax boss.

The Dutchman is keeping tight-lipped on his future until after the Dutch cup final this Sunday as Ajax face PSV in a game that could hand Ten Hag’s side the double, if they maintain their four-point lead in the Eredivisie. Although not officially announced, it appears that United finally have their new long-term manager lined up, and he may already be close to making his first signing.

According to reports, United are set to move for River Plate midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer as his £20.6million release clause comes into play. And judging by Ten Hag’s track record of signing stars at Ajax, Fernandez definitely looks like a potential signing that the 52-year-old has sanctioned.

Back in the day, it would be absurd to suggest that a manager wouldn’t have complete control over players coming in and going out, but the modern game is very different. The role of a manager is a thing of the past, as clubs now opt to appoint a ‘head coach’ while coming up with a recruitment strategy internally.

However, as we have seen in recent years, this doesn’t always tend to work, and Ten Hag has demanded to have an active say in all transfers if he is to become United boss. Fernandez could be his first signing, and the highly-rated Argentine scored in Wednesday’s 2-0 win against Fortaleza in the Copa Libertadores.

United need a new defensive midfielder with Nemanja Matic announcing that he will leave the club in the summer, and Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard are all expected to leave at the end of the season. So Fernandez could be the first signing in a new look United midfield, and he fits the bill for a Ten Hag-like transfer.

© ALEJANDRO PAGNI/AFP via Getty Images Enzo Fernandez has been linked with a move to Manchester United

Ten Hag arrived at Ajax in 2017, and the Dutchman has signed a star from South America every year he has been at the club. The 52-year-old appears to admire players from Argentina, which hints as to why Fernandez is being mentioned.

Since 2017, Ten Hag has signed Nicolas Tagliafico, Lisandro Magallan, Lisandro Martinez and Antony, bringing in one name from South America each year. Brazilian winger Antony has become a star in his Ajax side, and the defensive qualities of his Argentine signings have been pivotal to their recent success.

That therefore eludes to the Fernandez links, but Ten Hag’s track record is also good news for Alex Telles and Fred, who could benefit from his appointment. But the fate of Cristiano Ronaldo is still up in the air, with Ten Hag known for operating with a younger squad, with the exception of Dusan Tadic and Daley Blind.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Where will Manchester United finish next season if Erik ten Hag is appointed? Comment below.

© Laurens Lindhout/Soccrates/Getty Images Erik ten Hag hugs South American pairing David Neres and Antony

United have signed multiple South American stars in the past, as Gabriel Heinze, Juan Sebastian Veron, Diego Forlan, Carlos Tevez and even more recently Angel Di Maria and Edinson Cavani have all worn the famous red strip. But perhaps a new direction is upon us with Ten Hag’s appointment, and it could be great news for one of their most talented youngsters.

17-year-old Alejandro Garnacho has recently been called up to the Argentina national team, and the youngster is even in contention to be named in the squad to face Norwich on Saturday. Of course, United have been hit by multiple injuries that may have forced this decision, but his performances and potentially Ten Hag’s direction may have helped proceedings.

It’s geared up to be another exciting time for United as fans hope that this time the club have appointed the right man for the job. And next season will be 10 years without a Premier League title, unless Ten Hag can inspire an unlikely success to make it a memorable anniversary.