What does Man Utd's Dutch recruitment tell us?

"We spent a billion pounds on players. We have spent more than anyone in Europe. I'm not thrilled where we are. It doesn't sit easy with me and I worry how we get this sorted for the future. We have blown through an enormous amount of money."

Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold was open about the club's recruitment problems when speaking to supporters last month. The solution appears to be to entrust it to the experts. Less interference. Erik ten Hag and John Murtough leading the rebuild.

"The money that the manager and director of football wants is there. What's my job as CEO? I make sure John does his job on football. Get some players in. Money's there, OK? Get on with it, John. Get who you want. Do you want me buying the players?"

Murtough was a sports scientist at Everton before moving to Manchester United in 2013. He has worked in the academy with a broad remit but it was still a surprise to some when the club handed him the director of football role, opting for an internal candidate.

Judging by the targets identified by United, Murtough is focusing on giving Ten Hag what he wants. Many supporters see this as refreshing, evidence of the club backing the manager. But Ten Hag's influence on recruitment strategy remains unusual for a top club.

Christian Eriksen is a former Ajax player who trained with Ten Hag last season when recuperating after his heart problem. Frenkie de Jong and Lisandro Martinez also worked with him at the club. Tyrell Malacia is a player he knows from rivals Feyenoord.

There is nothing unusual about a coach pushing to recruit players whom he knows well. David Moyes brought in Marouane Fellaini. Louis van Gaal signed Daley Blind, Memphis Depay and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Jose