Manchester United have been focusing too much on Dutchmen this transfer window. Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake were reported to be joining Erik Ten Hag’s coaching staff. Van Nistelrooy has already arrived in England and he will be signing a two year contract with United as assistant manager. Along with staff, two Dutch players are heavily linked with a move to United. Out of those two, one made his international debut yesterday while the other one has already played under Erik Ten Hag.
Manchester United are under restructuring process ever since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Due to the inconsistency in performance, Ratcliffe made it sure to change the overall structure of the club. He started the process by making some important changes in the board. United have new faces of Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada in their highest positions. Along with board, United fans also sensed the change in manager. However, Ten Hag was able to keep the job after defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final. In addition, Ten Hag received contract extension from the Premier League side which will keep him at the club until 2026.
The next step was brining in quality players along with selling some of the existing stars. It has been revealed that the club want to fill five positions namely defender, midfielder, striker, right winger and left back. Out of those, the Red Devils are focusing on two Dutch players to fill the defender and striker position.
United very close to sign Dutch defender
Manchester United are reported very close to get their hands on Matthijs De Ligt. Bayern Munich is prepared to sell the Dutch international to Red Devils. In addition, the player is interested to reunite with Ten Hag. Journalist Ben Jacobs while speaking to GiveMeSport said that De Ligt could be the one of two defenders who will arrive at Old Trafford. Jacobs added that United made an initial offer of €40 million for the 24 year old defender. However Bayern are demanding somewhere around €50 million.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently tweeted that De Ligt only wants United. He said that personal terms have already been agreed and the both clubs involved are discussing over the final price. In addition, Romano has turned down the rumours of PSG’s linking to De Ligt.
De Ligt emerged as a top defender under Ten Hag when he was at Ajax. The Dutch defender helped Ajax to reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19 season. That performances of De Ligt made him chased by Juventus whom he joined in the following season before joining Bayern Munich in 2022. However the 24 year old defender has not been at his best for any of those two clubs. Reuniting with Ten Hag will help both United and De Ligt. Before the dutch international, United were linked with Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton. However the £70 million demanded price from Everton resulted in failure of the deal.
Zirkzee on his way to Old Trafford
Joshua Zirkzee who made his international debut for Netherlands against Turkey in Euro 2024 quarter final, has been reported to be interested in joining Manchester United. The Dutch striker enjoyed a very good season with Bologna and helped the club to achieve the Champions League qualification for the first time in the history.
Zirkzee scored 11 goals in Serie A in 2023/24 season. United want to pair him with Rasmus Hojlund who also arrived from Italy last year. Anthony Martial recently departed from the club as free agent after his contract expired. United interested to replace Martial with Zirkzee are ready to trigger the Dutchman’s £34 million release clause in his current contract with Bologna.
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