De Jong and Haller among nine potential Man Utd targets who Erik ten Hag has worked with before
- Graeme Bailey
- 9 May 2022
Erik ten Hag is already being linked with a host of players, but will he go with what he knows and sign some of his former players for Manchester United?
Ten Hag has spoken about not having a clause in his United contract that would prevent him from signing any current Ajax players - surely an indication that he will be looking that way.
So Planet Sport looks at some of the players who have worked with Ten Hag and who could become targets for the incoming United boss.
Frenkie de Jong (24) Barcelona
De Jong and Ten Hag have a close relationship having worked together at Ajax. The midfielder made his debut the year before Ten Hag took charge, but it was under Ten Hag that he was deployed in a role where he emerged as one of the world's hottest talents.
De Jong was outstanding for Ten Hag and really emerged under his tutelage. Could the two be reunited? It certainly seems so.
Barcelona are considering the long-term future of De Jong as they have Spanish stars Pedri and Gavi coming through, which could mean a deal is possible.
Given one of United's main focuses this summer is midfield, of all the former Ten Hag stars, this one looks the most plausible.
Antony (22) Ajax
The Brazilian forward has flourished under Ten Hag at Ajax, emerging as one of the brightest talents in Europe.
United were watching Antony last year, before Ten Hag was even thinking about moving to Old Trafford but they were not alone with Liverpool also showing a keen interest.
Antony looks likely to move and there is a very good chance it will be to Old Trafford.
Noussair Mazraoui (24) Ajax
The Moroccan right-back has performed very well, and is actually available on a free transfer.
He ticks a lot of boxes for United and right-back is one of the positions that needs to be addressed.
However, it appears he is already bound for Bavaria with Bayern Munich, with a deal almost finalised.
Jurrien Timber (20) Ajax
One of Ten Hag's most trusted performers, Timber has already been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United.
Already a full Netherlands international, Timber can play anywhere across the backline.
He has made 73 appearances under Ten Hag since being handed his full debut by the Dutchman in 2019.
Justin Kluivert (23) Roma (on loan at Nice)
Kluivert is another of Ten Hag's former Ajax stars, but he was one of the first to move when Roma paid nearly £20million for him in 2018.
Things have not gone according to plan since with the midfielder loaned out to RB Leipzig and Nice since.
His father Patrick enjoyed his time in England, and Ten Hag could be tempted to make a move. It's more unlikely but still only 23, time remains on Kluivert's side.
David Neres (25) Shakhtar Donetsk
The Brazilian wide-man was one of the real stars during Ten Hag's early days and his current situation could see him emerge as an option.
Neres is with Shakhtar Donetsk, who he joined in January and due to the current situation in Ukraine has not kicked a ball for them.
Now Neres is being linked with a move and a number of Premier League clubs are reported to be interested, including United. He could emerge as a genuine option.
Matthijs de Ligt (22) Juventus
Like De Jong, one of Ten Hag's real proteges and seen as one of the best young defenders in world football.
There's no doubt that Ten Hag would love to have De Ligt available to him, but that is not likely.
De Ligt is the cornerstone of Juventus' backline and even if he was available, his price would be around £100million.
So while De Ligt will not be a major target this summer, it would not be a huge surprise if he became a target for Ten Hag further along the line.
Sebastien Haller (27) Ajax
Another one of a handful of current Ajax stars who have been linked with a quick-fire reunion with Ten Hag.
The Ivorian has been brilliant for Ten Hag since arriving from West Ham United in 2021. Things didn't work out for Haller in England previously, with just ten goals a poor return for a player who cost £45million just 12 months earlier.
But since moving to the Eredivisie, Haller has emerged as one of Europe's top-scorers again. With a new striker on United's wish-list, he is a real possibility.
Ryan Gravenberch (19) Ajax
One of Ten Hag's current crop and arguably the pick of them. The teenager is a superb midfielder, who is already attracting interest from around Europe.
Like with Mazraoui, it is understood that a deal to take him to Bayern Munich is close to being finalised. Ten Hag may very well be too late to make a move but it won't stop him trying.
