Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was reunited with Hakim Ziyech at Old Trafford.
While there is talk of Manchester United swooping on Chelsea for Mason Mount this summer [via The Mail] there was only one Blues player Erik ten Hag had eyes for at full-time.
Mount, injured, didn’t make the trip. But regardless, Ten Hag would have made a beeline for Hakim Ziyech in any case.
Ziyech became a star at Ajax under Ten Hag and earned a big move to Chelsea. They were glad to see each other at Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Manchester United transfer history 2013 to present day
Erik ten Hag wanted Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech could have been a Manchester United player this season if Erik ten Hag got his way.
The Manchester Evening News reported Ziyech was among United’s back-up plans to Antony, although the board did not share Ten Hag’s enthusiasm for the Chelsea man.
Ziyech, 30, has had a difficult season, along with the rest of the 12th placed Chelsea squad.
Now on his third manager of the season, he has started only six Premier League games.
Ziyech did end up with an assist on the night. He played the final eight minutes at Old Trafford and supplied the pass for Joao Felix’s consolation goal.
His career is an illustration of the importance of having the right manager. But the transition from Dutch football to the Premier League isn’t easy, just ask Donny van de Beek.
Erik ten Hag is a rarity, who proved everybody wrong to make an immediate impact at Manchester United in his first season.
In leading United to a 4-1 victory over Chelsea last night, Ten Hag is now celebrating the team qualifying for the Champions League next season.