Manchester United warned Matthijs de Ligt transfer would highlight Erik ten Hag problem

Manchester United have been urged to prevent Erik ten Hag picking out transfer targets on his own amid mooted interest in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt. Ten Hag managed the centre-back at Ajax and De Ligt is being tipped to leave the Bundesliga heavyweights next summer.

United have splashed out £400million-plus since Ten Hag was appointed to the dugout last summer and there has been a running Eredivisie theme throughout any business that has been struck-up. Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Antony were all schooled in the Dutch top-flight.

The same goes for Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat, who joined the club on loan from Fiorentina this summer. De Ligt was a shining light for Ten Hag during his Ajax days, but even that should not tempt United into going after his signature - according to Andy Cole.

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The former United striker told Betfred: "How many other managers in the Premier League have the same approach to transfers? Especially at the top, top level."

Cole added: "This is probably why there's speculation suggesting that INEOS are going to restrict his influence over transfers. It's a good thing to be fair because Manchester United can now cast their net wider.

"If he's [De Ligt] had tough times at both Juventus and Bayern Munich, then how can you suggest that he will be a success at Manchester United? Matthijs is another player that's played for Erik ten Hag and the majority of signings made during his time at the club have been players that he's managed previously.

"The Premier League is a totally different league. The ocean is very, very big when it