Six Ajax stars Ten Hag could bring to Man Utd

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 21 Apr 2022 11:38 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United have announced Erik Ten Hag as their next permanent manager.

The Dutchman has performed wonders during his five years at Ajax, developing a host of big-name players.

But which players from his current club will Ten Hag look to bring with him to Old Trafford?

Antony

Brazilian forward Antony has become a fan favourite at The Johan Cruyff Arena due to his direct, tricky dribbling along with his threat in front of goal.

The 22-year-old usually plays on the right wing and has 23 goal contributions this season in 31 starts.

Having broken into the national team over the past year, the competition for Antony’s signature will be fierce, with Liverpool and Manchester City also interested.

Jurrien Timber

The latest talisman to come out of the Ajax academy, Jurrien Timber has already made more than 50 appearances for his side at the tender age of 20.

Timber can play across the defence, however he primarily features at centre-back and has already received six caps from the Dutch national team including three at Euro 2020.

A candidate for European Golden Boy, Timber has spoken positively in the past over interest from Manchester City, meaning United will have to act fast to beat their rivals to the punch.

Ryan Gravenberch

With the defensive midfield position being an everlasting issue for Man Utd, Ten Hag will no doubt be touting Ryan Gravenberch as the long-term solution.

The 19-year-old became the youngest player ever to appear for Ajax in the Eredivisie when he was 16 and has cemented his place as a starter for both club and country.

The Dutchman is entering the final year of his contract but Bayern Munich are in advanced talks over a cut-price move for a player considered a true star of the future.

Lisandro Martinez

Another cause for concern for Man Utd has been their defence and Ten Hag may look to Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez to take the pressure off Harry Maguire.

The 24-year-old has formed an effective partnership with Timber and has established himself as one of the best left-footed defenders in Europe.

At 5’11, Martinez is also perhaps lacking in height, however his ability to play at left-back and defensive midfield could make him a shrewd acquisition for any side.

Noussair Mazraoui

With Ajax having conceded just 15 goals in 29 games this season, it should be no surprise if Ten Hag looks to bring virtually his entire defence to Old Trafford.

Noussair Mazraoui - who is out of contract this summer - has impressed this season, scoring five goals from right-back and linking up well with Antony to overwhelm teams down their flank.

However, due to United having decent depth at right-back and with Bayern Munich favourites for the Moroccan, a move for Mazraoui may is probably unlikely.

Nicolas Tagliafico

Man Utd need a left back this summer as Luke Shaw's form has crumbled following an impressive 2020/21 season and excellent Euro 2020.

Alex Telles is also likely to depart at the end of the season after never really finding his feet at Old Trafford.

Tagliafico has been one of Europe's most consistent left backs for many years now and is desperate to join a big club after seeing a transfer fall through to Barcelona.