Erik ten Hag urged to sign another Ajax star despite Man Utd's 'exciting' pre-season form

Erik ten Hag has been urged to raid his former club for another Ajax star after Lisandro Martinez’s move to Old Trafford, despite Manchester United’s ‘exciting’ form in pre-season.

United, who finished sixth in the Premier League last season and fell short in their cup competitions, have enjoyed an almost flawless pre-season to date.

Ten Hag’s side sealed a thumping 4-0 win over Liverpool in their first outing and followed that up with another emphatic performance against Melbourne Victory.

United’s winning run continued yesterday when they beat Premier League rivals Crystal Palace 3-1 at the MCG.

Former England winger Trevor Sinclair has been impressed by United’s pre-season form and says Ten Hag’s team have been scoring goals that Manchester City and Liverpool would be proud of.

But the 49-year-old believes further reinforcements are needed at Old Trafford and says United should revive their interest in Ajax star Antony.

Antony, who is valued at more than £50m, was one of the stars of Ajax’s title-winning side over the past two seasons and Ten Hag has expressed interest in bringing him to Manchester.

‘Erik ten Hag has been in the building for three or four weeks, he knows what he’s got, and he’s still going for Antony,’ Sinclair told talkSPORT.

‘What does that tell you? He rates Antony more than the players he’s got. You need to be able to rotate like the top clubs, you need that depth.

‘I’m pleased to see Manchester United get a coach in who has a clear philosophy behind how he wants to play, and he’s executing that in training.

‘You’re starting to see it in friendly games already. The [Marcus] Rashford goal against Crystal Palace – those are the kind of goals you see Man City or Liverpool score.

‘If I was a Man