Manchester United manager Eric ten Haag is now looking for a ‘versatile’ forward after Darwin Nunez turned down the Red Devils and signed for Liverpool. The Uruguay striker joined the Merseyside club earlier this month in a deal worth £64m, which could also raise to a club-record £85million.
Ten Haig and United pursued the Benfica striker for a long time, but when it became clear that Anfield was their favorite place, they withdrew. The Red Devils were also hesitant to spend more than half their budget on the striker.
United are looking for a talisman as they have been lacking in goalscoring last season. The 22-year-old centre-forward would have been a long-term substitute for the aging Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford. sky Play reported that Liverpool’s Champions League qualification was an integral factor in prioritizing the Merseyside club for Nunez.
As it is difficult to find quality replacements in the transfer market, ESPN has reported that Ten Haig has revised its views and is now looking for a more ‘versatile’ forward. Ajax winger Antony dos Santos, whom Ten Haag coached during his stint in Amsterdam, is high on United’s wish list.
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The Brazilian has scored 8 goals and 4 assists in 23 appearances for Ajax in the 2021–22 season and has proved too hot to handle for Eredivisie defenders. He also played as a false striker during Ten Haig’s tenure at Ajax. The Dutch champions have set a hefty £68million price tag for the dynamic winger. Like in Nunez’s case, the Old Trafford side are unwilling to spend that much money on the forward.
One of the big reasons why United are not spending money on signing is that they want to hire the services of talented Barcelona midfielder Frankie de Jong. Reports suggest the Dutch international is moving a step closer to Old Trafford.
As United return to pre-season training on Monday, the clock is ticking for the club to bring in players ahead of the new season. Ten Haig will be expected to turn the Red Devils’ fortunes around and break into at least a top four in the Barclays Premier League.
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