Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Ten Hag sent transfer warning as ‘problem’ with Man Utd blockbuster deal is made clear

Ben Stewart
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag at full time after the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday April 30, 2023.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has been warned of the consequences of signing Neymar as a comparison between the PSG superstar and Cristiano Ronaldo has been made.

It’s fair to say that Ronaldo and Ten Hag didn’t see eye to eye. Following a problematic relationship, Ronaldo’s departure had been a long time coming.

Fast forward a few months and Man Utd are being linked with a new superstar. Neymar is reportedly available on the market and United are interested.

While the speculation has got everyone talking, not everyone is convinced that the Brazilian would be a hit at Old Trafford.

Gabriel Agbonlahor has warned Man Utd and Ten Hag about the consequences of such a big move.

“These managers now, especially managers like Ten Hag, he went to Manchester United and he had a problem – Cristiano Ronaldo. Everyone knows how good Ronaldo is but his ego was embarrassing at times,” the pundit told talkSPORT.

“When he got brought off he was sulking, throwing his arms up. Why would you go and bring in another big ego into a changing room that you’ve finally sorted out?”

Agbonlahor also thinks that the financial implications of signing a player like Neymar would weigh heavy on a club like Man Utd.

“And financially, he’s on silly money at PSG. They’re going to want a decent fee and his wages would be something silly as well, like £500,000 or £600,000 a week or whatever they’re earning there.

“I just don’t see it happening. I just don’t think any club in the Premier League would bring that ego to their club.”

It has been suggested that PSG would be open to loaning Neymar out, although even this would still come with a hefty price tag.

Ten Hag not giving much away

While the speculation surrounding Neymar has been rife, Ten Hag himself hasn’t been giving much away.

“When we have news we will tell you,” smirked the Man Utd manager.

There’s no doubt that Man Utd are in need of more attacking options, but they could decide to explore other avenues.

Marcus Rashford is the only player to be in double figures for goals this season. With other attacking departures expected, they will need to be active in the coming months.

In the case of Neymar, while he is no longer at the peak of his powers, he is still one of the most explosive players in the world.

In just 20 Ligue 1 matches this season, he has scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists. His numbers in the Champions League have been equally impressive.

It is worth mentioning though that Ten Hag is keen on his sides pressing from the front. While Neymar is a harder worker than people give him credit for, he has struggled with injuries since moving to PSG.

The 31-year-old is currently on the sidelines with an ankle injury and has only started in 18 league matches this season.

Neymar remains an option for Man Utd this summer, but the priority will still be to sign a striker.

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