Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has opened up on his time at Old Trafford, reflecting on the club’s transfer decisions and his efforts to strengthen the squad during his tenure.
Ten Hag made the revelations in an interview with The Athletic, in which he discussed the club’s pursuit of several players, including Declan Rice and Harry Kane.
The Dutchman said United could have done more to sign Rice when the midfielder was at West Ham United, adding that the London club’s reluctance to sell complicated the pursuit.
“The issue was that West Ham didn’t want to let him go. I think we could have done more to test,” Ten Hag said.
Rice eventually joined Arsenal in July 2023 in a deal worth £105m.
Ten Hag also revealed that Kane was his preferred striker target during the summer 2023 transfer window, disclosing that he personally pushed United to pursue the England captain.
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“I said to them, ‘I want only one player, and you know who’. I fought for it. I heard that he was very positive, but I never spoke with him about the issue. I don’t know how the decision process went with John, Richard, the Glazers,” he said.
Kane left Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich in August 2023 after spending his senior career at the north London club.
Ten Hag said United needed experienced players who could contribute immediately and guide younger members of the squad.
“I think a club like United, you need these profiles to be successful. Personality, and they are mature, and they’re accountable,” he said.
“We signed five, six players, young, high potentials. But they are not the finished product. They need guidance from good professionals, like Kane, Rice, and Bruno [Fernandes].”
The Dutchman also disclosed that United explored the possibility of bringing former striker Danny Welbeck back to Old Trafford from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Ten Hag said Welbeck was interested in returning, but changes within United’s executive structure meant the club did not proceed with a formal offer.
Ten Hag joined United in 2022 and won the League Cup in his first season before guiding the club to FA Cup success in 2024.
However, he was dismissed in October 2024 following a disappointing start to the 2024/2025 campaign.
Reflecting on his time at Old Trafford, Ten Hag said he still wanted the club to return to its former heights.
“I really want United to win. I want them to be successful again. I want the club to be back where it once was,” he said.
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