It seems that Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is reconsidering his decision to sell Antony amid the ongoing speculation about the future of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese’s character has been a major issue for the Red Devils this season, and his reluctance to sell him has resulted in a lacklustre second spell at Old Trafford. But he has remained defiant, despite the lack of results.
Erik ten Hag’s second stint at Manchester United has been a frustrating one
During the pre-season tour of Australia, Erik ten Hag has limited his media duties, preferring to head straight onto the team bus after a match and then turn his focus to the day’s training. However, on Monday, after an early morning session at AAMI Park, he did sit down with the media and give an insight into his methods and plans for Manchester United.
The Dutchman will have a difficult job of bringing back the glory days of the club, especially as several key players are expected to leave this summer. Ajax’s policy has often been to sell their best players for large fees. In the past few years, this has included Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Hakim Ziyech, and Donny van de Beek. As the new manager of Manchester United, it is likely that Ten Hag will use a possession-based pressing style and pair these players up at the back. Whether he prefers to use a four-three-three or a 5-3-2 is unknown, but it is likely that Fred and McTominay will provide cover for these midfielders.
While it’s true that Ten Hag has yet to manage in the top five leagues, he has gained a reputation as a highly promising coach in Europe over the past two decades. His attacking style of play has earned him admiration among fellow managers, and he is still considered one of the best young coaches in Europe. So, although the task will be daunting, he has already won a Premier League title.
However, it’s not the only transfer saga that has effected the team’s ability to win the Premier League this season. De Jong and Daryl De Jong are targets for the United manager, and if neither is signed, they’ll develop from within the squad. And with a PS120 million budget, it’s not surprising that Ten Hag is frustrated with the speed of the Barcelona transfer.
Ronaldo’s lack of character at United
Manchester United are reportedly set to chase Antony this summer, but first they need to convince Ronaldo to leave. It was previously thought that the Portuguese superstar had already requested to leave after scoring 18 Premier League goals last season. According to reports, however, the Portuguese is now desperate to join a Champions League club. That said, ten Hag could be changing his mind and will now try to sign the former Ajax forward for PS70 million.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s lack of character at the club has prompted speculation that the Dutchman may be putting pressure on the club to sign the versatile Brazilian. Antony has played mostly in the right side of midfield last year, but could play from the right side if necessary. A potential move to the right wing could also make Marcus Rashford a number nine.
However, if United are to get rid of Cristiano Ronaldo, they must replace him with a new centre forward. That’s where Frenkie de Jong and Lisandro Martinez come in. The Barcelona president Joan Laporta hinted that United should go for a deal for De Jong. It’s a good thing the Red Devils are desperate to bring in a new centre forward, but they need someone to replace Ronaldo.
The Dutchman is also said to have had a chat with Manchester United’s manager, Paul Parker. During the interview, Parker compared Parker to Ruud van Nistelrooy, who also had a lack of character but established himself at Manchester United and scored more goals than Rashford last season. The Dutchman subsequently said he would consider Antony’s transfer to United if the Dutchman stayed in the position.
Frenkie de Jong’s future at Manchester United
Frenkie de Jong is reportedly being considered by Manchester United. The Dutch winger has recently been linked with a move to the Red Devils, though he is keen to remain at Barcelona. While United have already been linked with Ruben Neves and Youri Tielemans, the Dutchman is keen on staying at Barcelona. However, there has been talk of a reunion between the winger and United manager Erik ten Hag, who coached de Jong while at Ajax.
The deal has been held up by a disagreement over the fee. Barcelona have reportedly reached an agreement with United worth PS55 million to sell De Jong to United, but the Dutchman has expressed reluctance to leave the club. De Jong is also reportedly owed bonuses by Ajax and has had his wages deferred because of the COVID-19 pandemic. United have been unable to meet their demands for the midfielder’s services, and they have resorted to ‘formulas’ to get their hands on him.
The future of Frenkie De Jong may be clear in less than 48 hours. According to Spanish reports, the two clubs have agreed a deal over the price and add-ons. However, the deferred wages are a major sticking point. Barcelona must still pay the balance of de Jong’s wages before the deal is finalised. If the deal goes through, then it may well be a success for United.
A contract extension for the Dutch international could help ensure his future at United. De Jong has been linked with a move to Manchester United for the last few months. Although the Dutch winger has only been with the Red Devils for less than a year, his future is far from settled. Manchester United will need reinforcements in the centre of the park, and they cannot wait for De Jong to make a decision.
Erik ten Hag’s relationship with Jürgen Klinsmann
Following the news of Antony’s transfer, Ajax have confirmed that they have signed the Dutch international on a new contract. While many have suggested he could be a potential replacement for Jose Mourinho at Tottenham, Erik ten Hag has made it clear that he intends to remain at Ajax until 2023. While he admits he has strong links to Tottenham, he insists that Ajax is where his heart is.
Juan Mata’s future at Old Trafford
Manchester United are keeping an eye on Antony van Dyke’s situation and are hoping to seal his arrival this summer. However, the Dutch winger is still deemed too expensive by his current club, Ajax. It is understood that the Amsterdam club are demanding PS70m for the talented winger, a fee that United would be unwilling to match. But the Dutch club are not giving up on their winger as they believe it is an asset to their team.
The Dutch winger’s future is in doubt as he is not a centre-forward, and the club have already spent more than PS120m on Frenkie de Jong and Lisandro Martinez. United have also been told that it will take PS70m to sign Antony. This is a substantial sum, and it is likely to force the club’s transfer chiefs to increase their bids.
Manchester United have been linked with Ajax for a long time but have failed to meet their valuation. The Dutch club have also been linked with a move for Tyrell Malacia, but Manchester United’s PS40m bid has so far proved unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Liverpool are still chasing Martinez. Despite the hiccups over Cristiano Ro’s future at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag is still hopeful of reaching a ‘compromise’ with Ajax.
