I have learned a lot from him and I look up to him," Gakpo said via the Mirror. "Van Nistelrooy was my striker trainer in the academy. ANP MAURICE VAN STEEN (Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images) LISBON - (lr) Antony Matheus Dos Santos of Ajax, Ajax coach Erik ten Hag celebrate victory during the UEFA Champions League match between Sporting CP and Ajax Amsterdam at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Septemin Lisbon, Portugal. But a strong performance on Sunday afternoon could see United make a move for a player who thanked Red Devils legend Ruud van Nistelrooy for his development. Arsenal are said to be the Premier League team targeting the winger, who has said in the past that he looked up to Gunners legend Thierry Henry. Gakpo shows similar traits to Antony and reports suggest United had shown interest in the Dutchman earlier on this season. Antony playing on the opposite flank to Sancho would provide much-needed balance to a lop-sided United team and already knows what is required in a Ten Hag side. Operating mainly from the right wing, the 22-year-old would solve an issue Jadon Sancho was meant to fix when he joined from Borussia Dortmund last summer but has since switched to the right. In Antony and Cody Gakpo for Ajax and PSV respectively, both teams have a player United have either been linked with or should target.Īntony has impressed for Ajax this seasonĪntony has 12 goals in 23 league appearances this season and in the Champions League, contributed six goals and assists in seven games and could be signed for a minimum of £50million. But the trio are far from the finished product and United need proven players not only through the middle but out wide as well. With Marcus Rashford out of form, Edinson Cavani leaving at the end of the season, Anthony Martial potentially joining him on the way out and Cristiano Ronaldo getting a year older, United are in desperate need of attackers.Īlejandro Garnacho was named on the bench against Norwich and Ethan Ennis continues to impress for the youth sides, as does Joe Hugill. United fans should also pay particular attention to the way in which Ajax transition when losing the ball and winning it back, having seen their side cut open with ease on the break against Norwich City on Saturday afternoon. There's also the way in which Ajax press teams when they don't have the ball and the way they dominate possession with it, two things United have lacked over the past few years. Will you be watching Ajax vs PSV? Let us know in the comments section belowĪll eyes will be on the formation and shape Erik ten Hag and Ajax play Here, Daily Star Sport have named three things to look out for when Ajax play PSV in the KNVB Cup final on Sunday night. Fans can also get a first-hand look at a number of players linked with a move the Premier League as well as the post-match press conference which could shed some light as to an official announcement from the man himself. Benfica star Darwin Nunez drops Man Utd hint ahead of summer bidding warīut Ten Hag's philosophy won't be the only thing on display at Feyenoord's stadium.Man Utd to move for River Plate star Enzo Fernandez with four midfielders to leave.The fixture gives United fans the perfect opportunity to tune in and get a glimpse of the style of football that will be on display next season at Old Trafford. This hasn't stopped United fans from getting excited about what the future could look like with the 52-year-old in charge and his Ajax side are in action on Sunday night against PSV in the KNVB Cup final.
Ten Hag looks to be the preferred choice by the United board after a round of interviews which saw them speak to former Tottenham Hotspur boss and current Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino, though Ten Hag has yet to officially confirm that he is joining the Old Trafford outfit and continues to shoot down speculation regarding his future. Manchester United are set to announce the hiring of Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as their next permanent manager.