Aheed Abrar
Cody Gakpo reveals talks with Erik ten Hag about a summer switch from PSV Eindhoven to Manchester United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag held conversations with Cody Gakpo about a possible move to the club in the summer of 2022. However, a deal for the 23-year-old did not end up materialising.
Gakpo was one of the options to bolster the Red Devils’ backline in the recent transfer window. And the Dutch manager tried to convince the Holland international to move to Manchester.
However, United did not sign Gakpo in the end. And speaking to The Times (Subscription Required) [h/t Metro], the 23-year-old revealed he was close to making a move to the Red Devils. But the period was stressful for the young forward.
“I was close to leaving, I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United.
“It ended about a week before the end of the transfer window and in that week I had to decide if I would go to Leeds or Southampton. In the end I stayed, but it was a stressful period.”
United ended up reuniting Antony with Ten Hag in Manchester after signing him from Ajax in the summer of 2022. The Brazilian was the sole attacking reinforcement the Dutch manager was afforded in the recent transfer window.
Antony has started his career in a red shirt in impressive fashion. The 22-year-old scored on his debut against Arsenal in a 3-1 victory in the Premier League. Subsequently, the Brazilian managed to find the back of the net in his first three league appearances for the Old Trafford side.
Ten Hag has also managed to improve some other forwards he inherited at United. Under the Dutch manager, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho have seemingly found their feet.
The Dutch manager can also count on Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the gaffer has not started the Portuguese a lot this season. And the 37-year-old seems to be struggling for form.
Gakpo performed well over the last couple of seasons. In the 2022/23 campaign, the 23-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists in 18 appearances in all competitions.
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Fans would not mind another Eredivisie prospect making his way to Manchester. However, whether United decide to pursue Gakpo once again remains to be seen.
