Erik ten Hag vetoed bringing Georginio Wijnaldum to Manchester United this summer
According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol (h/t Express), Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag had the opportunity to bring Georginio Wijnaldum to Old Trafford this transfer window but decided against it.
The Dutch national was said to be keen on a move to Manchester, but the new gaffer wasn’t interested. Since then, Wijnaldum has moved to AS Roma, where he’ll play under Jose Mourinho.
The 31-year-old moved to Paris Saint-Germain after his Liverpool contract expired in 2021. The Holland international had a disappointing season with the Parisians. Wijnaldum didn’t get many opportunities in France.
United fans have been crying out for reinforcement this summer. The result against Brighton & Hove Albion in Ten Hag’s first competitive game have only intensified calls for more additions.
The Manchester-based club have signed three players as of now. Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez have arrived through the door at Old Trafford.
With Fred and Scott McTominay in the midfield, supporters have wanted the management to focus on bolstering the middle of the park. But only one player has been brought in, and that too an attack-minded one.
We need a defensive midfielder. Martinez played in the position on a few occasions at Ajax. But it remains to be seen whether Ten Hag will opt to play the Argentine as a number six.
This leaves the need for a box-to-box midfielder in the squad. Paul Pogba’s departure has weakened the depth in the side. And we don’t have a quality number eight in the squad.
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Wijnaldum is a Premier League and Champions League winner. The Dutchman was an essential part of Jurgen Klopp’s successful teams. He would’ve brought experience and energy to the squad but given his former allegiance maybe it makes sense that we steered clear.
