Erik ten Hag's Dutch Connection: Manchester United's Transfer Strategy Explained

Manchester United's manager, Erik ten Hag, has brought a distinct Dutch influence to the club's transfer strategy, but he insists there is no inherent preference for Dutch-bred signings. Out of the 20 signings made under Ten Hag's management, 11 have either been born in the Netherlands or have played there. This summer, three out of four new additions to the squad—Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui—have Dutch roots.

Despite this trend, Ten Hag has emphasized that these decisions are not solely his own. The recruitment process at Manchester United involves a collaborative effort, including input from the club's scouting team, technical director, sporting director, and other key figures. Ten Hag himself stated, "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."

This summer saw the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, with Joshua Zirkzee, a former Bayern player, joining from Bologna. De Ligt, who previously captained Ajax under Ten Hag, has been a long-term target for Manchester United, dating back to his formative years. Despite his struggles to meet the expectations set during Ajax's memorable Champions League run in 2019, Ten Hag remains confident in De Ligt's potential, stating, "He has fantastic potential... Now he is turning into his best years. He has great skills as a football player but also in his character, his personality. I am very pleased to have him here."

While Ten Hag's tenure at Manchester United continues to see a steady influx of Dutch talent, the manager remains clear that the club's decisions are guided by a broader vision that transcends national ties. The focus is on finding the right players who fit the club's needs both on and off the field, with financial feasibility playing a key role.

This approach underscores the meticulous and collaborative process behind Manchester United's transfer strategy, where every signing is a result of careful consideration and collective decision-making.