Three players most likely to be Erik Ten Hag's first signing

By Dan Coombs

Erik ten Hag has been confirmed as Manchester United manager and work can now begin on pushing ahead with potential summer transfers.

United have been linked to dozens of players, and while Ralf Rangnick has suggested there could be as many as 10 arriving this summer, who will be first?

There are three standout names who could be first in the door for Ten Hag, who of who he knows very well indeed…

Here is a look at our predictions for who Ten Hag could make his first Manchester United signing…

• READ MORE: Erik Ten Hag’s managerial record and style of play

Antony

Ajax winger Antony is known to Ten Hag and he is not currently involved in matches due to injury. This could make it easier for him to concentrate on securing a summer transfer.

The Telegraph has already reported Ten Hag is keen to bring Antony with him to Manchester United, and his talent and potential makes it easy to see why.

The trickster is only 22, and has scored 12 goals this season while providing another eight assists.

Put Antony on one wing and Jadon Sancho on the other, and Manchester United could become a terrifying team to play against.

Jurrien Timber

Another Ajax star, Jurrien Timber could become Manchester United’s next top defensive star.

The Mirror report Timber is high on Ten Hag’s wishlist, and he has been a regular for the Dutch side this season.

Timber, 21, is already a Netherlands international with six caps, who is set to go to the World Cup.

United’s defence has been underperforming and club captain Harry Maguire is 29, United need to get younger at the position.

Darwin Nunez

Manchester United need to sign a striker and Darwin Nunez is a chance to make a real statement, with the Uruguayan among the most wanted centre-forwards in Europe.

Nunez has already scored 33 goals this season, including the one which knocked Ten Hag’s Ajax out of the Champions League, so the Dutchman knows him extremely well.

It may also be easier for United to negotiate an early signing with a star who is not a current Ajax player, so not to further disrupt the Dutch side as they look to win the Eredivisie title.

• Erik Ten Hag’s managerial record and style of play
• Erik Ten Hag’s five most expensive transfers
• Ajax’s last five managers before Ten Hag and where they are now
• Five Ajax players Ten Hag could sign for Manchester United
• Ten Hag’s comments when Van de Beek left Ajax for Old Trafford
• Six key issues for Manchester United’s next boss
• The three biggest wins of Ten Hag’s managerial career

Dan Coombs

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