The MEN Sport understands that Erik ten Hag is currently Manchester United preferred option to be their next permanent manager. And with this information fans have gone into overdrive speculating about who he will play in the current squad and also who he will want to sign.
Ten Hag's philosophy includes controlling a lot of the possession of the game and overwhelming the opponent by passing around them and not allowing them to regain the ball. This means that every player in his squad has to have a certain level of technical ability and be comfortable on the ball.
The shining example of this in Ten Hag's current Ajax team is Daley Blind. The Dutchman returned to his former club from United back in 2018 after he was deemed surplus to requirements by Jose Mourinho and since then he has thrived.
READ MORE: Four Manchester United problems Erik ten Hag must solve if he is appointed manager
Blind was a key player and Netherlands international before he left for Old Trafford to reunite with Louis van Gaal, but on his return, he has reached another level and is now a key part of Ten Hag's squad. The Dutch manager was very complimentary when he spoke about the defender in the past, saying: "The organization is very good. We don't get many goals against and Daley plays a very important role in that with his coaching and positioning.
“Blind brings so much to the ball in his passing and choices. We also speak of 'packing [progressive] passes'. There is no player in the Eredivisie, perhaps a few, who can give those passes in that way. He is an absolute added value for us in our constructive attacking game."
This will be music to the ears of some of United's current defenders, with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane all able to pass out from the back, but Eric Bailly and Phil Jones will be concerned as this is not part of their game. However, with two of those three defenders fast approaching 30, the team need to think about the future.
Ronaldo Araujo has been impressing for Barcelona under Xavi but with his contract expiring in 2023 the Catalan club are struggling to agree on an extension with the 23-year-old. Given their financial situation, they may be willing to sell the Uruguayan defender this summer and United are reportedly interested.
Spanish news outlet Sport report that Araujo is being offered a contract that would see him earn £2.5m a season, which would still make him one of the lowest earners in the squad and he wants to earn £5m in line with other the club's other young stars like Ansu Fati and Pedri. He would be a massive loss to Barcelona.
He has shown his ability to be the team's best defender both in and out of possession and he would be great addition to United's centre-back rotation if they are able to secure a deal and would mean that they would have one of Europe's best upcoming defenders to start their rebuild around.
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