Erik ten Hag reportedly ignored a transfer shortlist that was left to him by Ralf Rangnick before the German left Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s start at United has been eventful as he has had to deal with unexpected issues that arose both on and off the pitch.
United fans were getting worried as the club’s progress in the transfer market was slower than expected.
Advert
Six players did eventually sign for the Red Devils, with Antony, Casemiro, Martin Dubravka, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez all putting pen to paper before the deadline.
However, according to the Daily Mirror, Ten Hag snubbed the chance to sign the players that were shortlisted by his predecessor Rangnick. Here are the five players that were reportedly on the shortlist.
Erling Haaland - Borussia Dortmund
It was reported that United missed out on the Norway superstar’s signature back in 2020, ever since then, it was always bound to be difficult for them to sign Haaland.
Advert
The 22-year-old’s form at Borussia Dortmund was frightening, which to United’s annoyance, earned him a move to their neighbours Manchester City.
Since his move to the Etihad, he has hit the ground running straight away, scoring 11 goals in seven Premier League matches.
Josko Gvardiol - RB Leipzig
Out of all the players that Rangnick suggested, Gvardiol was described as a ‘must buy’ for United.
Advert
However, Ten Hag opted to spend big on Lisandro Martinez instead of the Croatian to bolster his defence.
Chelsea attempted a late move for Gvardiol with a bid of £77.4 million, which was rejected by the Bundesliga club as they managed to persuade the centre back to sign a 12 month extension.
A January move could happen but it is believed that Leipzig are looking to bank a fee of around £85 million.
Konrad Laimer - RB Leipzig
Advert
Laimer was linked with a move to Liverpool towards the end of the transfer window as Jurgen Klopp scrambled around desperately to sign a midfielder.
United spent the majority of their window trying to sign Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong but a move never materialised.
If Ten Hag is to go for Laimer, a January move could be on the cards as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season and therefore could be available for a lower fee.
Christopher Nkunku - RB Leipzig
Rangnick was believed to be furious that United didn’t compile a report on Nkunku after his stellar first season with Leipzig that saw him score 35 goals across all competitions.
Advert
United did however track him during the summer and would have to fend off Europe’s best clubs if they are to have a chance of signing the Frenchman.
Aurelien Tchouameni - Monaco
Last but not least, French midfielder Tchouameni was one of the most talked about players of the summer after his impressive displays for Monaco.
Liverpool were believed to be heavily interested in bringing him to Anfield but his heart was set on a move to Real Madrid, which scampered Liverpool’s plans to sign a midfielder.
United ended up signing the man Tchouameni has now replaced at Madrid, in the shape of Casemiro.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours