Erik ten Hag's interesting reaction to Cody Gakpo question has excited Man Utd fans

Manchester United fans are excited about the prospect of signing Cody Gakpo in January after seeing manager Erik ten Hag's reaction to a question about the forward.

Gakpo is United's number one transfer target after impressing for PSV Eindhoven and the Netherlands this season.

The 23-year-old scored three times for his national team in Qatar, helping them to the World Cup quarter-finals.

His stats for PSV are even more impressive. Gakpo's already scored 13 goals and registered a whopping 17 assists this term.

Reports in the United Kingdom claim United are keen to wrap up a deal for Gakpo as soon as possible. When asked if he'd be interested in a move to the Premier League previously, Gakpo replied: "If Manchester United come, I will think about it."

The Red Devils are currently a forward short after terminating Cristiano Ronaldo's contract via mutual consent last month.

With the transfer window just around the corner, ten Hag fielded questions ahead of United's return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest on December 27.

Gakpo's name was naturally brought up, which prompted an interesting reaction from ten Hag.

"I'm not going to ask about who you're going to sign in January of course, but I know you watched a lot of the World Cup," ten Hag was told. "Can I ask you how you assessed the impact of [Cody] Gakpo for the Dutch national team? I know you watched the World Cup intently."

That Ten Hag grin when asked about Gakpo…😂 pic.twitter.com/x2pg51Ra6C

— 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗴’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇳🇱 (@TenHagBalI) December 23, 2022

The 52-year-old smirked after being asked the question. He then composed himself, claiming through laughter: "There were many, many good players at the World Cup."

PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy recently admitted 'there comes a time when you can't say no' regarding a transfer for Gakpo.

When told that, ten Hag kept his cards close to his chest. "He (Van Nistelrooy) can say that about many players," he added.

Supporters online have reacted to the video and they think ten Hag knows more than he's letting on.

One person said: "Ten Hag's never like this usually, the question caught him off guard."

A second put: "That's such a cheeky response."

Someone tweeted: "It's in the bag already."

While a fourth added: "He knows loool, Gakpo's arriving in January."

United defeated Burnley 2-0 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening to seal their place in the quarter-finals. They received the favourable draw of League One outfit Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford.

United haven't won a trophy since 2017, something ten Hag is keen to change in his first campaign in charge.

From 26-28th December, watch all 10 Premier League games live, including Aston Villa vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs West Ham, Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest and more. Watch for free with a 30-day free trial to Prime!