Even though it is managers who know best about which players to bring in, they don’t always get their way. Sometimes the board doesn’t agree to bring in the specified player due to many reasons like budget, wage bill, fan reaction, etc.
Manchester United and manager Erik Ten Hag also had a similar moment during their first month together. Despite the club spending a record sum of money in their first transfer window together, the board did not allow one signing to materialize.
Manchester United stopped Ten Hag from securing Hakim Ziyech
Ever since Erik Ten Hag arrived at the club back in the summer of 2022, he has been given many transfers to build his team. In fact, he has signed around 16 players since his arrival, which have cost more than £400 million. Most of the signings are from his Ajax team, and some of them have been questioned by fans.
In his first window itself, the club had brought in the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Antony, Christian Eriksen, and Tyrell Malacia. But another signing was requested by Erik, and that was of Hakim Ziyech. But the Manchester United board vetoed the decision, according to Manchester Evening News.
At the time, Ziyech was at Chelsea and was looking for a way out. He had been a flop there, although he was a starter before at the Ajax team under Erik and was a crucial player there. Erik wanted a reunion with the player, but the board denied the request for unknown reasons.
Ziyech now plays for Turkish side Galatasaray on loan from Chelsea. Seeing the recent failures of some of Ten Hag’s signings like Antony, many feel it was the right decision.
Manchester United boss Ten Hag’s hefty spending on familiar faces
Recently, the Dutchman has received much criticism for the style of play of his team. Despite the many signings made by the club, he has not managed to live up to expectations. He has been well supported by the Manchester United board, who have allowed him to bring in many of his former players from his great Ajax side.
Brazilian forward Antony has been the most expensive signing, costing £88 million. However, the forward has not lived up to his price tag. He has not had a single goal or assist this season, and he was even suspended for a short while due to his facing a domestic abuse allegation.
Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez was one of his first signings for a fee of £55 million, and the former Ajax defender has been great. He provided much-needed defensive stability in his first season but is now injured for a long time, which is a major reason for United’s bad start to the season.
Andre Onana is another former Ajax player under Erik to have joined this summer for a fee of £47 million, but was signed from Inter Milan. Despite being brought in to improve United’s goalkeeper position, he has become another reason for United’s recent failures. He has not managed to play out from the back, as was the intent behind bringing him, and has conceded many easy goals as well.
All these signings prove that Erik needs to move on from the Ajax way of playing and focus on making Manchester United a new, unique side. For now, the Dutchman needs to focus on the next game against Newcastle United on Thursday in the Carabao Cup.
