Erik ten Hag would have liked to see Frenkie de Jong come to Manchester United. The two worked together at Ajax, and the manager has indicated that he sees an ideal midfield pairing in him and Casemiro.
Manchester United's recruitment of Erik ten Hag was part of a broader ambition to transplant the dynamic Ajax-style football that marked his successful tenure in Amsterdam to the more competitive landscapes of the Premier League.
Early into his time with Manchester United, Ten Hag openly noted the stark contrast in playing style between his current squad and his ideal vision, which he achieved with Ajax. He attributed these differences primarily to the types of players available, underlining the importance of having the right personnel to execute specific tactical philosophies effectively.
One such player who epitomized Ten Hag’s style at Ajax was Frenkie de Jong, a midfielder known for his ability to dictate the pace of the game with his precise passing and intelligent movement. During a revealing conversation with Gary Neville on Sky Sports, Ten Hag discussed how integral a player like De Jong could be in implementing his strategy at Manchester United. He mentioned, "That is a typical player you need if you want to play in Ajax style. You need that kind of player. Frenkie would form a very good duo with Casemiro, as the two are very complementary to each other." This pairing, in Ten Hag’s view, would balance defensive solidity with creative flair, essential ingredients for his football philosophy.
However, the realities of football transfers often stymie even the best-laid plans. Ten Hag admitted in the interview that despite their best efforts, Manchester United was unable to secure De Jong's move from Barcelona at the time, reflecting the challenges clubs face in aligning their strategic desires with market opportunities. Furthermore, Ten Hag also expressed regret over missing out on another high-profile target, Harry Kane, whose proven goal-scoring prowess could have significantly bolstered United's attacking options.
These revelations underscore the ongoing challenges and aspirations at Manchester United under Ten Hag's stewardship. As the Dutch manager looks to mold the team according to his vision, he faces the task of navigating the transfer market effectively while also maximizing the potential of his current squad. The discussion highlights the delicate balance between tactical innovation and practical player acquisition, a dynamic that will likely define Ten Hag's legacy at Manchester United.
