Erik ten Hag has been confirmed as the new Manchester United permanent manager as the club prepare the start of a new dawn.
The Red Devils reached a deal in principle with the Dutchman last week and confirmed the appointment on Thursday after finalising the terms over a release clause fee with his current club Ajax. The deal has seen United finally replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as permanent manager, five months on from his sacking.
According to the Telegraph, Ten Hag has demanded he be allowed the final decision over transfers and United are said to be willing to grant him such a wish. The 52-year-old is believed to have already ear-marked a number of transfer targets as the club prepare for a seismic summer of change.
With Ten Hag having secured the backing from Old Trafford bosses, plenty of new arrivals are anticipated in the near future and United's imminent new manager is understood to be eyeing a raid on his soon-to-be former club. With that in mind, Mirror Football takes a closer look at four players who Ten Hag could potentially poach from Ajax this summer.
Antony
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The top name on the list of talents Ten Hag could bring with him to Old Trafford is undoubtedly Antony Matheus dos Santos, otherwise known as Antony. The Brazilian winger has emerged as one of Europe's hottest properties having propelled himself into the limelight after moving to Ajax from Sao Paulo back in June of 2020.
The 22-year-old has hit 12 goals and laid on a further 10 across 33 appearances this season as his profile has continued to soar. Under Ten Hag, Antony has excelled, with his fine performances in Amsterdam earning him nine caps for the Brazilian national team.
And it's fair to say the attacker is grateful to his current Ajax boss for his show of faith. The Brazilian recently told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf : "Every player under his guidance becomes a better footballer through his training. Since my arrival, he has given me a lot of confidence and believed in what I can do. I am grateful to him for that. I respect him very much."
Speculation surrounding Antony joining ten Hag at Old Trafford is gathering pace. If reports are to be believed, he won't come on the cheap, with a £50million figure being banded about for the Brazilian.
At present, United appear well-stocked in attack, however, with Edinson Cavani expected to depart come the end of the current campaign and question marks hanging over the heads of Cristiano Ronaldo, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, Antony may well be required. The left-footer, who primarily operates on the right, possesses an abundance of ability and an evident eye for goal.
Should he make the move to Manchester, he will bring plenty of flair and trickery to Old Trafford. United are in need of a boost and the exciting Brazilian would certainly give the fans just that.
Ryan Gravenberch
Another Ajax acquisition Ten Hag could look to complete is that of star midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. The 19-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer of 2024, has become an integral member at the heart of Ajax's side despite his tender years.
The teenager has already racked up a century of appearances for the Amsterdam-based club and is a prime example of Ten Hag's willingness to show faith in youth. Blessed with intelligence, physicality and a maturity beyond his years, Gravenberch would provide United with some much needed steel in midfield, but the Red Devils face stiff competition.
Bayern Munich are leading the race for the sought-after Ajax star, but there's still a chance United could swoop for the highly-rated midfielder - especially once Ten Hag has been appointed. Despite reports Gravenberch is on his way to the Bundesliga, the Dutch international has since revealed his options are open when directly addressed rumours over his future.
"The contract negotiations have now been stopped," the starlet told NOS, via Goal. "I just have one more year of contract now and that's it, really. We'll see. My father and agent are very busy with [handling other clubs] while I focus on football.
"Of course [I've seen the Bayern interest]. You can read it everywhere, so there is interest from Bayern, but I think there are several clubs. I have no idea [what I'm worth], I have no idea. But if you're worth €25million (Bayern's reported bid), you can be proud because it's a lot of money, of course."
With United in need of bolstering in midfield, Gravenberch could well be the answer to their problems. As one of the most exciting talents currently plying his trade at the Johan Cruyff Arena, the midfielder will surely be on Ten Hag's wanted list.
Noussair Mazraoui
Neither Aaron Wan-Bissaka nor Diogo Dalot have been able to cement their status at United's first-choice right-back, leading to speculation that the Red Devils may look to reinforce in that area of the pitch. Should that be the case, Ajax's Noussair Mazraoui will surely be on the club's radar.
The Moroccan full-back appears destined to depart the Dutch capital this summer when his contract expires and, as player's of his ability don't become available for free very often, Ten Hag will surely be contemplating convincing the 24-year-old to join him at Old Trafford. United may have to move fast though, as the attacking right-back is already in talks with another European heavyweight.
Mazraoui has, however, reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Bayern Munich ahead of a summer move. But with nothing signed as of yet, Ten Hag could still make a late play to hijack the deal and address United's right-back concerns.
Jurrien Timber
Another of Ajax's young stars, Jurrien Timber is a player Ten Hag is reportedly keen on bringing with him to Old Trafford. As previously reported by Mirror Football, United's incoming manager views the 20-year-old centre back as someone who could immediately remedy the Red Devils' defensive concerns.
Harry Maguire has endured a troublesome season and could find himself ousted for Timber should Ten Hag push to acquire the youngster when he takes to the United helm. The six-time Netherlands international is additionally capable of operating at right-back, which would also help ease the burden on Wan-Bissaka - another who has struggled this season.
Another product of the club's prestigious academy, Timber has established himself as a staple in Ajax's backline in recent times and has already amassed an impressive 70 appearances, months shy of his 21st birthday. United are crying out for a calm presence at the back to partner Raphael Varane and Timber would provide just that.
