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Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United manager is in major doubt after a woeful second season in charge at Old Trafford.
An awful league campaign and embarrassing early exit from Europe, combined with some bizarre tactical decisions throughout the campaign has left the Dutchman under huge pressure at the club.
German giants Bayern Munich have emerged as a potential new home for Ten Hag should he leave Manchester and rumours are already circling around potential transfer targets.
Spanish media have reported that long-standing target for United, Frenkie de Jong would be top on Ten Hag’s wishlist should he move to the Allianz Arena.
The Barcelona midfielder looked set to rejoin his old boss at Old Trafford last season but the deal fell through after lengthy discussions.
Ten Hag was desperate to sign De Jong when he arrived at United but the club’s inability to get their man rather sums up their shoddy approach to the transfer market over the last decade.
De Jong would have no doubt made a difference to United’s ability to keep the ball in the middle of the park, something they have struggled badly with this season.
Failing to sign the Dutchman left Ten Hag ditching his possession and control-based philosophy for high transition poker that looks like it will ultimately cost him his job at United.
It may be a case of United fans watching Ten Hag’s vision come to life in Munich with the German giants already boasting of a squad of a number of Ten Hag targets.
Harry Kane and Kim Min-Jae are playing key roles in Germany, with both being chased by Ten Hag before their eventual move to Bavaria.
Reports say that De Jong would command a €70 million fee with Barca open to the sale to ease the financial pressure the club is currently suffering from.
However, much has to fall into place for the deal to come to fruition with Ten Hag’s position still very much in situ at Old Trafford with the small matter of an FA Cup final on the horizon.
Many feel win or lose at Wembley, Ten Hag’s time at United should be up but the showpiece occasion certainly gives him a great opportunity to register back-to-back trophy successes in his two seasons at the club.
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