Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag applauding the supporters
We all know the story: Erik ten Hag was viewed as Manchester United’s saviour; he won trophies in back-to-back seasons but was sacked by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his entourage after controversially losing 2-1 to West Ham United in 2024.
Ruben Amorim was pinpointed as his permanent replacement – but former Red Devils coach Benni McCarthy has suggested the Dutchman would still be in the dugout if the higher-ups allowed him to sign the players that he had targeted. He said:
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Why things broke down between Ten Hag, now at Bayer Leverkusen, and the Old Trafford top brass is because of the disparity in targets – and ESPN have revealed that he voiced his ‘frustration’ with the club for being unable to provide four players. Where are they now?
Frenkie de Jong
Barcelona
Manchester United’s interest in Frenkie de Jong, which predates the hodgepodge era under Ten Hag's watch, never seemed to go away until the tactician left for good at the end of October last year. The Dutchman is a proud alumnus of Ajax’s fabled academy set-up, though he signed for Barcelona in the summer of 2019. Now 28, De Jong was tipped for stardom by none other than Lionel Messi in 2020. He said:
He's not the set the world alight, granted, but a midfielder of his calibre would’ve been more-than-helpful at the Theatre of Dreams: what he excels most at is taking the ball on the half turn and progressing up the pitch with ease, often becoming the difference maker in the centre of the park for La Blaugrana. He’s played north of 250 matches for the La Liga side, all while winning two top flight crowns.
Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool
Now a Premier League champion after winning the title in Arne Slot’s maiden season with Liverpool, Alexis Mac Allister was critical to the Reds’ success in the middle of the park. Often partnered with Ryan Gravenberch in their two-man constellation in the middle, the do-it-all Argentine often gives his side that much-needed edge while in battle with some of the fiercest teams in England's top flight. It's that simple.
EPL_Underrated Players
Born and raised in Santa Rosa, 26-year-old Mac Allister was a relatively unknown prospect while playing in his homeland for Boca Juniors. As they do, Brighton & Hove Albion used their recruitment know-how to strike a deal – and Liverpool’s £35 million for the central midfielder is now seen as a bargain given how influential he has been since joining the club in the summer of 2023. He may not get the recognition he deserves by virtue of playing alongside Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and the like – but what a talent he is!
Federico Valverde
Real Madrid
Every team needs a player like Federico Valverde: someone who is happy to go under the radar and allow others to bask in the spotlight. Real Madrid Castilla – the club’s reserve outfit – secured his sought-after signature in the summer of 2018, and it wasn’t long before he moved into senior proceedings. At 26 years of age, the hardworking midfielder has now chalked up 321 outings in the white of Los Blancos.
Valverde was nothing short of a vital cog under Carlo Ancelotti’s stewardship and the same is expected to happen under Xabi Alonso, who has already been quick to shower him with praise since arriving in Spain, too – he’s dogged, an underrated passer of the ball and is able to play in an array of positions from central midfield to right-back. An all-action presence, there isn’t much the Uruguayan cannot do and that's critical.
Harry Kane
Bayern Munich
When was the last time Manchester United employed a guarantee of goals? Marcus Rashford’s 30-goal season in 2022/23 aside, it was probably Edinson Cavani – but since, the goals have come in drips and drabs. The club, who won 13 Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson's reign, have needed a long-term centre-forward for years – and Harry Kane’s signature was certainly feasible, albeit for a lofty price.
The goal-getting Englishman – who is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in world football – has since joined Bayern Munich and, you guessed it, goals have continued to arrive at an alarming rate. At the time of writing, he’s plundered 85 goals and 26 assists in 95 outings for the Bundesliga giants. The difference the London-born marksman would’ve made on the red half of Manchester is unthinkable!
All statistics per Transfermarkt–correct as of 04/07/2025