Erik ten Hag has reportedly expressed his disappointment privately to Manchester United following the Red Devils’ failure to land Cody Gakpo.
United were reportedly interested in making a move for the Dutch forward in January in an effort to bolster their attacking options following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. However, they have been beaten to the punch with Gakpo’s current employers PSV Eindhoven confirming that they have reached an agreement with Liverpool and the forward will now travel to Merseyside to hold talks with the Reds.
And it appears that Ten Hag is unhappy with the transfer saga. As per ESPN, he has indicated his frustration to the club hierarchy - particularly considering that the United boss shares an agent with the PSV forward.
It is further suggested that the Red Devils did not actually lodge an official offer for the Dutchman with them unable to match the package on offer at Anfield. Following their failure to seal a deal for Gakpo, United continue to look for attacking recruits.
PSV confirmed the deal on Boxing day, with an official club statement from the Dutch club saying: "PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
"The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer. Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee."
Who should Man Utd sign instead of Cody Gakpo? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Man Utd boss Ten Hag initially refused to comment on United’s stance on missing out on Gakpo. Asked for his thoughts after the Red Devils’ Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening, he said: "I don't talk about individual cases.
“We are looking for a striker, it would be good with so many games coming. We want to stay in all the leagues we are playing in and you need numbers in the squad."
“Yes, we are aware we lost a striker [Ronaldo], so I think we have to get a striker in, but it has to be the right one,” he added. “The right one is a player that brings quality to the team, not just adding to the squad because that only gives you problems. And, you know the criteria is high here at Manchester United."
Portuguese duo Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos both remain linked with their own switches to Old Trafford over the next month but deals for the pair appear difficult to conclude. Alvaro Morata has also emerged as an option but only if his current club Atletico Madrid are willing to listen to loan offers for the Spaniard.
Ten Hag’s frustration could yet be set to get worse with another of their January targets courting more interest. Benfica star Enzo Fernandez is admired by the Red Devils but Chelsea are aiming to beat them to the Argentine’s signature.
