New Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has revealed that his former Ajax boss, Erik ten Hag, attempted to convince him of a Manchester United transfer before he moved to the Bundesliga.
It has been discussed by the player himself that his ex-manager wanted yet another reunion with a former player.
This time. it was 20-year-old Gravenberch, who at such a young age had became a key player in the Eredivisie for Ajax and had transfer interest from around Europe.
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Under Ten Hag, Gravenberch was gifted his Ajax debut at just 16 years of age in September 2018. Since then he played a further 102 games for the Dutch coach as they dominated the countries' top flight.
Last season, he played 42 matches and bagged three goals and six assists, but his game is more more than direct goal contributions.
The deal to the champions of Germany always seemed the most likely destination for the young wonderkid, however, Ten Hag wanted him to make a U-Turn to join up with him at Manchester United.
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Gravenberch revealed the details and while he has the utmost respect for the 20-time English champions, his agreement was already in place with the Bavarian club.
After revealing that Ten Hag looked to bring him to England, the midfielder told De Telegraaf: "Manchester United is a very big and beautiful club,"
"But I already had such a good feeling at Bayern and I had given my word."
The potential signing of his former player made sense with the lack of quality in the engine room at Old Trafford. With Scott McTominay and Fred to only recognised 'pivot' midfielders at the club following the departures of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
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With that signing out of the picture with his move to Bayern complete, another former Ten Hag player looks to be the primary midfield signing in Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.
The Netherlands midfielder was awkward when asked a question about the links to the English club by the media following his sides draw against Poland on the weekend.
Ten Hag missed out on Gravenberch, so will be desperate to not have the same happen again with De Jong.
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Manchester United's pre-season will start in two weeks' time and additions to the squad will be expected before then.
Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Ajax, Erik Ten Hag, Bayern Munich
Cain Smith