Erik ten Hag can complete Manchester United transfer masterplan with Ajax duo reunion

Manchester United pretty much handed the key for their transfer deals to Erik ten Hag when he was appointed to the Old Trafford dugout in 2022. While the Dutchman was unequivocally backed in that regard, even he might have done things differently had other factors not been at play.

The clamour for Eredivisie-honed players defines the Ten Hag reign so far. Playing in the Netherlands remains a far cry from what players are fronted by when they touch down in the Premier League and some, quite simply, do not have the capacity to bridge that gap and take their game to the next level it requires.

Fit-again Lisandro Martinez broke the mould for United last season, while Christian Eriksen, already accustomed to the unparalleled rigours from his Tottenham days, proved to be a shrewd addition on a free transfer despite one or two question marks over his form this campaign.

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Tyrell Malacia remains a work in progress. Andre Onana, Sofyan Amrabat and Antony are yet to properly convince, despite Ten Hag pushing for their respective arrivals having worked with Onana and Antony at Ajax, and Fiorentina loanee Amrabat during their time together with FC Utrecht.

However, even they were not the Plan A for Ten Hag as he prepares to hand back the transfer key amid impending input from Sir Jim Ratcliffe with investment from INEOS Group still subject to Premier League ratification. Change is on the way in the boardroom and with their recruitment process.

United have been among the worst buyers in Europe for a decade. INEOS will not have to do too much to improve things in that particular department, but while Ten Hag prepares