The new Manchester United manager spoke with striker Brian Brobbey about his future, but the 20-year-old is now expected to return to Ajax on a permanent basis.
ten Hag, Erik
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Despite phone calls with Erik ten Hag, Manchester United believe RB Leipzig striker Brian Brobbey will return to Ajax this summer.
Following the news that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave United after just one season, new United manager Ten Hag is looking for more attacking firepower, while Edinson Cavani was among a slew of first-team exits this summer as his contract at Old Trafford expired.
The Dutchman is close to striker Brobbey, whom he brought back to Ajax on a six-month loan with no option to buy in January. Despite suffering a medial collateral ligament knee injury, the young striker scored seven goals in 13 appearances during that time and is eager to leave Leipzig permanently this summer.
Ten Hag and Brian Brobbey had a close working relationship.
Ten Hag and Brian Brobbey had a close working relationship.
Ten Hag spoke with Brobbey on the phone about the striker's future, with the goal of bringing him to Old Trafford. The 20-year-old is highly rated and would cost just £13 million, but there are questions about whether he is ready to make the step up to Premier League football.
According to the MEN, United are now willing to admit defeat in their pursuit of the striker, who is expected to return to Ajax on a permanent basis this summer. Following the signing of Dutch international Steven Bergwijn from Tottenham, he will become the club's second attacking addition.
That could help United's chances of signing Ajax forward Antony, who is said to be one of Ten Hag's top transfer targets. Ten Hag is keen to reunite with the 22-year-old, and the Brazilian has told the Dutch giants that he wants the club to consider allowing him to join United this summer.
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When asked to comment on Ten Hag's appointment at Old Trafford earlier this year, Brobbey joked, "I'm very happy for him - if he brings me to Manchester in two years.
United have only made one signing in the summer transfer window, bringing in Feyenoord full-back Tyrell Malacia. However, the club is on the verge of signing free agent Christian Eriksen, who has a three-year verbal agreement with Manchester United.
Eriksen will now join United under Erik ten Hag, with whom he has a strong relationship. The Danish star never played for Ten Hag at Ajax, but he was invited back last year to train with the squad in an effort to help him regain full fitness after leaving Inter.
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