Man Utd Erik ten Hag Explains Reasons for Signing Players With Dutch Experience

• Erik ten Hag has responded to claims that he only signs ex-Ajax and Dutch footballers at Manchester United
• Since becoming boss, the 54-year-old has signed many players who were born or players in the Netherlands
• The Dutch tactician has brought two trophies at Old Trafford but led the team to their worst Premier League campaign in 2023/24

Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui are Manchester United's latest signings, and they have a lot in common with their signings in the last few years.

Most of them were born in the Netherlands or played in the country at some point. Fans have questioned Erik ten Hag's preference for Dutch players or players who played in the Netherlands.

The former Ajax coach has now answered the question as he takes charge of his third season at the club.

This summer alone, three of their four signings, Joshua Zirkzee, de Ligt and Mazraoui, were born or played in the Netherlands.

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Furthermore, 11 out of Ten Hag's 20 signings have played in his country of birth. In addition, six of Ten Hag's signings have played for Ajax.

The new additions to the coaching staff, including Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake, and new goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwellar, are also Dutch, per Manchester Evening News.

Erik ten Hag's explains transfer policy

In his first interview for the 2024/25 season, Ten Hag explained why bringing in players with Dutch connections is not his decision and is not favouritism.

"First of all, it is club decisions, none of them is only my decision. It is always backed or even brought up through the scouting, recruitment, technical director, sporting director, it is a decision made by more than only one. But, some, you know also players and personalities and it has to fit also in the finance."

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The Dutch coach led Man United to FA Cup glory last season, but his team produced their worst Premier League season. They open their season with a clash against Fulham tonight at Old Trafford.

Man United's possible lineup vs Fulham

Legit.ng earlier reported that Erik Ten Hag dropped a hint about Manchester United's possible lineup against Fulham.

The 54-year-old said his three new signings will be in the matchday squad, meaning some of them could be handed a start.

Source: TUKO.co.ke