All the noises coming out of Old Trafford appear to suggest that – regardless of whether Erik ten Hag stays or goes – the role of Manchester United’s manager in recruitment will change from now on.
Erik ten Hag has enjoyed almost unprecedented control over signings since taking over at the Premier League giants back in 2022. Many of his signings are either players the former Ajax boss has worked with before – see Lisandro Martinez, Antony, Sofyan Amrabat and Andre Onana – or those he knows from the Eredivisie.
Tyrell Malacia, Wout Weghorst, and former Vitesse Arnhem loanee Mason Mount.
Arguably only one of that seven – fan favourite Martinez – can be really considered an unqualified success at this stage. After replacing the out-of-his-depth John Murtough and bringing in those with a more footballing background such as technical director Jason Wilcox, whoever finds himself patrolling the Manchester United touchline in 2024/25 is likely to see his role restricted compared to the one Ten Hag enjoyed in the last two years.
From an old-school ‘manager’ type to a more modern ‘head coach’ approach.
And, considering that Brian Brobbey feels very much like a Ten Hag signing, it is perhaps no coincidence that the links with Ajax’s 22-goal top scorer have dried up a little since Ineos started scouring the market for a replacement in the dugout.
Brian Brobbey rules out Manchester United
The Mirror reported back in January that Brobbey was still under consideration at Old Trafford. Tellingly, however, this is alleged to have been a Ten Hag-driven pursuit. Even if the FA Cup-winning tactician does get the nod to stick around for at least another year, Man United’s transfer activity will no longer be spearheaded by Ten Hag.
Instead, a more collective effort with Wilcox at the centre.
Either way, Ajax appear to be in no mood to sell another key man to Manchester United. Both clubs endured disastrous league campaigns in 2023/24, and Ajax’ hopes of a revival under their Ineos-admired new coach Francesco Farioli will rest largely upon the broad shoulders of their imposing number nine.
“I spoke briefly with (sporting director) Marijn Beuker,” Brobbey tells Ajax Life. “He told me what the plans and changes will be within Ajax. Nothing was said to me, but to my agent.
“Basically I’m not allowed to leave. We are going to experience it (together).”
Brobbey, interestingly, turned down Man United in 2022 after a difficult spell at RB Leipzig, feeling that a return to Ajax was the right move for his development.
Rasmus Hojlund needs competition in attack
A striker is one of Man United’s top priorities this summer. Anthony Martial’s departure leaves21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund as the club’s only option in the middle.
Ivan Toney and Serhou Guirassy have both been mentioned. On the other hand, Man United’s ongoing interest in RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko suggests that the Red Devils could yet move instead for another young, up-and-coming goalscorer in the Hojlund mould.
Vitor Roque of Barcelona is another who may be under consideration.