Ten Hag Denies Preference for Dutch Players

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has refuted claims that he favors players with experience in Dutch football, following the recent signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. The defenders, who previously played under Ten Hag at Ajax, joined the club ahead of the Premier League opener against Fulham. Ten Hag emphasized that recruitment decisions involve a collaborative effort among the scouting team, technical director, and sporting director, highlighting the importance of player fit both on and off the pitch. De Ligt and Mazraoui, both from Leiderdorp in the Netherlands, are set to integrate into the squad for the upcoming match. Ten Hag expressed confidence in their abilities, particularly noting De Ligt's experience and commitment to the club. “He is only 29 years old and has already played many games for Manchester United,” Ten Hag remarked, indicating his belief in the players' potential contributions to the team. Additionally, Ten Hag mentioned the possibility of three debutants in the match against Fulham, including forward Zirkzee, who recently transferred from Bologna for £35.7 million. The manager acknowledged the challenges Zirkzee faces due to a lack of pre-season preparation, stemming from an injury at his previous club. Despite these hurdles, Ten Hag remains optimistic about the young strikers' potential to develop into top-class players. As the Premier League season kicks off, Ten Hag's focus remains on integrating new talent while navigating the complexities of player fitness and team dynamics.