Saha: Ten Hag is targeting the right players

Former United striker Louis Saha has outlined why Erik ten Hag is targeting the right players for his rebuild mission.

It’s an open secret that the Dutchman is mainly trying to cherry-pick a number of the best players who played under him during his time at Ajax. Frenkie de Jong is his number one target and the MEN understands United have managed to agree a deal in principle with Barcelona for his transfer.

The same applies for Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia. While he did not play under Ten Hag at Ajax, the defender was watched closely by him in the Eredivisie, supporting the consensus that the new United boss is after players he knows well.

Some have questioned whether those in the Netherlands’ top-flight will be able to adjust to the physicality of the Premier League. As examples, Ajax duo Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez - both linked with United - are under 6ft and are comparatively slightly-built.

However, Louis Saha believes that the types of players Ten Hag is after are the kind United need and suggested they can still adapt to English football without having to lose their flair. He likened the situation to that of Kevin De Bruyne when he first arrived at Manchester City. There is the physical aspect of the Premier League, and they [the linked players] are more technical players with flair - that’s their style and they shouldn’t change,” he told bonuscodebets.

Saha added that, because Ten Hag knows how to get the best out of his targeted players, his transfer strategy is a “smart” one.