Manchester United Manager Erik ten Hag Denies Overreliance on Eredivisie Signings

Erik ten Hag has dismissed claims that he heavily relies on signing players he already knows from the Eredivisie, stating that such criticism of his Manchester United transfers is unfounded.

The Dutch coach has spent over £400 million on new additions since taking charge of the club in the summer of 2022, with the majority of those signings being players he was already familiar with.

Previous Connections to Eredivisie

Several players, including Andre Onana, Antony, and Lisandro Martinez, had previously played under Ten Hag for Ajax. Christian Eriksen, who came through the academy in Amsterdam, also briefly trained at the club during his recovery from a cardiac arrest.

Tyrell Malacia was signed from Feyenoord, Wout Weghorst played four seasons in the Eredivisie before moving to Germany, and Sofyan Amrabat came through the academy at Utrecht where he worked under Ten Hag and Steve McClaren.

Even Mason Mount had a loan spell at Vitesse, and Rasmus Hojlund shares an agent with Ten Hag.

Out of United’s 10 permanent signings under Ten Hag, only Casemiro, Jonny Evans, and Altay Bayindir had no previous connections to Dutch football or their manager.

Ten Hag’s Response

Ten Hag, who has faced criticism for his signings not living up to their price tags, has rejected claims that he only signs players from the Eredivisie and insists it has little impact on his recruitment.

When asked about his transfer track record, Ten Hag told the United We Stand fanzine: “It’s a perception. It’s used to make a point. Has Casemiro played in the Eredivisie? Eriksen played in the Eredivisie 10 years ago, then for Spurs and Inter Milan. I’ve even seen Mason Mount aligned to the Eredivisie. He was there as a young player to develop.”

He further added, “And, if you sign players from Ajax, just look at their history. They have delivered many, many players to the top clubs in the world. It’s a long list.”

January Transfer Window

Despite suggestions of a cash injection when Sir Jim Ratcliffe secures his minority stake in the club, Ten Hag downplayed United’s prospects of spending in January and does not expect any new additions.

He stated, “I don’t think so — and if so, the approach from United should be that if you can improve your team, then you should do. What we expect from every player coming to Carrington every day is for them to give their maximum, to give their best.”

Ten Hag also mentioned that it is challenging to attract top players in the winter transfer window, as most of them are unlikely to leave their clubs during that time.

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