Manchester United’s transfer plans this summer centred around players Erik ten Hag was familiar with, with the Dutchman having connections to four of the five outfield players signed this year.
In addition to signing Ten Hag from Ajax, United also signed centre-back Lisandro Martinez and winger Antony and the pair have enjoyed stellar starts to life at United.
Now, it is being reported that Ten Hag tried to sign a third player from his former club to complete a hat-trick of steals but the move never materialised.
That’s according to the Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad, via Sport Witness, who say that Brian Brobbey, the forward, was a player Ten Hag was keen on reuniting with.
Read more: Erik ten Hag praises Man United star but urges winger to be more clinical
Brobbey enjoyed his breakthrough under Ten Hag at Ajax and after a brief spell at RB Leipzig, returned to the Dutch capital on loan to once again excel under the 52-year-old.
As per the report, Ten Hag went as far as to text Brobbey personally in an attempt to lure him into joining United but Alfred Schreuder, the Ajax manager, had supposedly convinced Brobbey to return to Ajax by promising him a starting role.
SN’s verdict…
It definitely feels like this is one to watch out for going forward. United are highly likely to prioritise signing a striker next year and it’s going to have to be a long-term option.
In recent years, United have attempted to plug that hole in their side by signing aging strikers and although some have worked on a short-term basis, it’s an issue that is going to repeat itself each year due to the lack of foresight.
Brobbey is evidently a player Ten Hag admires – watch this space.
