Steve McClaren breaks silence on Erik ten Hag signing Dutch-based players at Man United

Steve McClaren breaks silence on Erik ten Hag signing Dutch-based players at Man United

Steve McClaren, a former Manchester United assistant, is in favor of Erik ten Hag’s infusion of former Dutch players.

The Red Devils manager has prioritized signing Eredivisie players with whom he has previously collaborated.

The success of that strategy in the transfer market has varied. Former Ajax players Lisandro Martinez and Andre Onana have both found success at Old Trafford.

However, Antony, an underperforming winger who also signed from Ten Hag’s previous club, cost £86 million. Arrivals for summer Additionally, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui performed at Ten Hag in Amsterdam.

The 54-year-old was drawn to Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount when they were living in the Netherlands.

McClaren, who departed United in the summer as part of restructure of the coaching staff, has backed Ten Hag’s Dutch-themed transfers. The former England boss says he also prefers to have a core of players he has previously worked with.

“First, [the players know] the way he wanted to play. Two, the players that were available. Three, knowing he didn’t have a lot of time at United to get things going,” McClaren told the Telegraph.

“[Lisandro] Martínez at the beginning, [it was a case of] are you sure? Yes, he [Ten Hag] was. Because he [Martínez] knows the way Erik wants to play. I have done the same as a manager

“Going into a club trying to instil something, I always wanted two or three I have worked with previously. You need followers and people who believe in what you are doing. There is a list of five [potential signings] and you pick the one that you know.”

United spent nearly £200m on summer signings, although £100m of that figure was offset by a flurry of departures. Alongside Mazraoui and De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte also arrived at Old Trafford