Erik ten Hag says ‘many quality players’ want to come to Manchester United this summer and already senses it will be much easier to lure targets to Old Trafford. The Red Devils had a rather difficult window in Ten Hag’s first summer in charge, notably missing out on top midfield target Frenkie de Jong who opted to remain at Barcelona after months of talks. United also missed out on a striker but will look to remedy that by bringing in a proven goalscorer when the window reopens, with Tottenham frontman Harry Kane and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen both on their shortlist. While United might have struggled to convince that pair to sign last summer, Ten Hag is confident of securing his desired targets this time around and feels the perception of the club has changed dramatically over the season.
“I see a big difference in comparison with last year,” said the Dutchman on Friday. “There were a lot of reservations last year when I spoke with players and now many players see the project, what’s going on, the dynamic and the ambition in this project, the quality especially. They are really keen to come, I’ve noticed that.”
Probed further on whether it will be an easier task to lure players this summer, Ten Hag replied: “It looks like that. There were a lot of reservations last year, a lot of doubts when we approached players. This year, many quality players they really want to come.”
United’s season does feel as though it is still hanging in the balance, however, with back-to-back defeats allowing Liverpool to close the gap to fourth place to just a single point – though Ten Hag’s side do have a game in hand. “We have everything in our hands. We have to bring our performance,” said Ten Hag ahead of facing Wolves on Saturday at Old Trafford. “Top football it is always a test. We can take confidence and belief because we have proven we’ve beaten the best teams in the world. But yes, it’s a test of courage if we can do it [secure a top-four finish] because we are in the right position and we have to finish it. It’s a high demand, so it needs high standards so definitely needs courage. The players and I need to take responsibility for it.”