With new manager Erik ten Hag set to begin his work shortly, Manchester United have been linked with several of his current and former players as they look to overhaul multiple areas of their squad.
Turnovers in key backroom positions, a managerial change, and several first-team players leaving mean the Red Devils are expected to go through a busy few months ahead of the commencement of the 2022/23 season. Incoming transfers are high on the agenda as always, with the media linking the Premier League giants to several current and former AFC Ajax players.
As per the Telegraph, ten Hag, who will be moving from the Amsterdam club to United in July, is already planning a raid of his former club for defensive reinforcements. The Red Devils’ backline has been inconsistent throughout the season, with centre-backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof falling under constant criticism. If reports are to be believed. ten Hag wants to refresh it by bringing in Lisandro Martinez from his soon-to-be former club.
The Argentinian central defender is valued at 25 million pounds, but he is not the only current Ajax player on ten Hag’s wishlist. Martinez’s teammate Jurrien Timber is also a target.
Furthermore, the Dutchman might even be in for a reunion with some of his former players. As per 90min, Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest – formerly of Ajax – has been offered to Manchester United this summer. The American is seen as surplus to requirements at Barcelona, with manager Xavi Hernandez relying on a 38-year-old Dani Alves to fill the right-back spot instead.
La Masia graduate Sergi Roberto can play in that position, too, while the club has been strongly linked with a move for veteran right-sided defender Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea) since the turn of the year.
As such, the player has been told to look for a new club; his representatives have offered him to United, where a reunion with the coach who gave him his breakthrough at Ajax might be in the offing.
