Gary Neville has insisted that Manchester United should jump at the chance to sign Harry Kane if the opportunity ever arose - but has accepted that it won't happen anytime soon.
01.05.2022 - 16:25 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Erik ten Hag is on the verge of meeting his new players at Manchester United.
The 52-year-old will take over at Old Trafford at the end of the current campaign on a deal until 2025. United have an option to extend the contract by a further year should they wish to.
Before he can officially move to England, Ten Hag will be hoping to secure the Eredivisie crown for Ajax. The Amsterdam club moved a step closer to that milestone with a routine 3-0 victory over PEC Zwolle.
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Ahead of his move to the Premier League, the Mirror went to the Johan Cruyff Arena to see Ten Hag's current team in action. Here is what they learned.
The most notable aspect to Ten Hag's game which they spotted was Ajax's fluidity on the pitch. Players 'rarely stuck rigidly to a position'.
Ajax's centre-backs Daley Blind and Jurrien Timber would roam freely during the 90 minutes with the former United defender almost setting Dusan Tadic up for his second of the game. Ryan Gravenberch, Mohammed Kudus and Kenneth Taylor dominated the midfield and were happy to interchange when needed.
Sebastian Haller is the target man for Ajax but he was also free to move out onto the flanks to allow Davy Klaasen to provide a threat through the middle of the pitch.
The Mirror noted that Ten Hag's team showed glimpses of Manchester City's Pep Guardiola inspired tactic. Ajax's work in the full-back positions was noted as a key similarity with the Blues.
Nico Tagliafico and Youri Regeer were both key parts of Ajax's attacks even if their moves forwards were not 'remarkably regular'.
One thing that will excite United fans is Ten Hag's commitment to developing youth players. Several
Gary Neville has insisted that Manchester United should jump at the chance to sign Harry Kane if the opportunity ever arose - but has accepted that it won't happen anytime soon.
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