Erik ten Hag has defended his role in Manchester United's recruitment policy, saying he has not asked the club to specifically look for players he has worked with in the past.
Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui are the latest former Ajax players to arrive at Old Trafford after joining from Bayern Munich this week.
United have also signed Lisandro Martinez, Antony and André Onana, all former Ajax players, since Ten Hag was appointed manager. However, the Dutchman claims he is not the only one who picks transfer targets and that each deal has been approved by the recruitment team.
“First of all, these are club decisions, none of them are just mine,” Ten Hag said on Thursday. “It is always supported or even suggested by the scouting team, the recruiting team, the technical director and the sporting director.”
“It's a decision that more than one person has to make. There are also some players and personalities who know each other and who have to fit in financially as well.”
De Ligt has joined United for £38.5m after spells at Juventus and Bayern Munich without much experience. He also struggled to break into the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024 but Ten Hag claimed he remains one of the best centre-backs in the world.
“He has fantastic potential,” said the United manager. “Matthijs turns 25 this week and has already made almost 375 appearances for Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich. It's incredible.”
“He is now living his best moment. He has great qualities as a footballer, but also in his character, in his personality. I am very happy to have him here.”
De Ligt will be included in the squad for United's opening Premier League game against Fulham on Friday as Ten Hag's side look to make a stronger start to the season than last, when they lost four of their first six games.
The United manager said he is confident heading into the new campaign, particularly because of the “belief” in the dressing room.
“What I can say is that there is a good fight here, a good spirit, we feel that we have good players and a strong team,” said Ten Hag. “That builds confidence and it is important to have this in high-level football and at the performance level.”
“And even when the results don't go your way, you're resilient and you maintain the belief that you have good players and you've built a good team.”
