striker Brian Brobbey says Erik ten Hag fully deserved to get the job and even cheekily joked that he would like the Dutch coach to bring him to Old Trafford.
After months of speculation, United announced last Thursday that Ten Hag would take over the reins once the season is over after signing a three-year deal with the option for a fourth.
United did not exactly benefit from a new manager bounce, though, with the Red Devils beaten by on Saturday at the Emirates.
A few hours later, Ten Hag’s Ajax put last week’s Dutch Cup final defeat to PSV behind them by beating NEC 1-0 with Brobbey netting the game’s only goal.
Ten Hag has been linked with bringing a host of his Ajax players to Old Trafford with him this summer and now Brobbey, fresh from his match-winning goal, has thrown his own name into the mix – though quickly insisted he was only messing around.
Speaking about Ten Hag’s move to United, Brobbey told reporters: ‘ I am very happy for him and he really deserves it after everything he has done for Ajax.
‘Hopefully he brings me with him in two years! No, no, joking, joking!’
Brobbey – who returned to Ajax from RB Leipzig in January – burst out laughing after he made his playful plea to Ten Hag with the entire press room joining in.
While the 20-year-old may not be moving to Old Trafford, there are two Ajax players who Ten Hag is believed to be very keen to bring to United.
The first of those is right winger Antony, who is expected to cost around £50million; Ten Hag has identified the position as an area that needs strengthening and the Brazilian ticks plenty of boxes.
Defender Jurrien Timber is also rumoured to be on Ten Hag’s wish list, though the player himself played down a move despite raving about his manager.
Speaking to Het Parool, he said: ‘I’m good at Ajax. I can still learn a lot, especially if we continue to play in the Champions League.’
On Ten Hag, the defender added: ‘He deserved it [the United job]. Ten Hag has been very important to me personally.
‘Under him I became the footballer, the man I am today. The coach talked to me a lot. He’s been very critical, in a good, constructive way. I won’t forget that anytime soon.’
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