Man Utd need Erik ten Hag's help to complete next signing
Manchester United are reportedly ready to battle Chelsea for the signing of FC Twente star Ruud Nijstad as they look to bolster their defensive roster next year.
The 18-year-old has played the entire 90 minutes in 16 of Twente’s 18 matches across all competitions so far this season, and his rapid ascent to stardom has unsurprisingly caught the attention of multiple clubs across Europe.
Man Utd have been keeping close tabs on his development for several weeks, while Chelsea have now registered their interest in the centre-back, as per TEAMtalk.
It’s understood that Barcelona are eager to sign Nijstad too, with sporting director Deco recently travelling to the Netherlands for talks after a summer bid was turned down by Twente.
As a result, Man Utd are set to face significant competition for the 18-year-old and if they are to win the race for his signature, they will need to convince former boss Erik ten Hag to sanction a deal.
The Dutchman is currently the technical director of Twente, following a disastrous stint as Bayer Leverkusen boss at the start of last season, and he will therefore play a key role in deciding whether Nijstad moves to Old Trafford in 2027.
Erik ten Hag could block Man Utd transfer
Ten Hag spent just over two years as Man Utd boss and his sacking in 2024 came just months after he signed a new contract following the club’s triumph in the FA Cup final.
“They promised me loyalty, they promised me backing, they promised communication, that we get aligned. We spoke about the issues. But the promises, they didn’t keep,” Ten Hag admitted to The Athletic last week when asked about his departure from Old Trafford.
“I think it was quite weird to separate ways in that moment. All the data was showing we are good. OK, two poor games to Liverpool and Spurs (both 3-0 home defeats). We were starting the process. Let it progress; the gameplay is getting better.
“Maybe they can say differently, but I see on the pitch, and every game they fought. Also, my last game, that was probably one of our best games, we should have won against West Ham. But I’m sure the process was already ongoing; there were already people — maybe even in the team — who knew what would happen the day after.”
He added: “We targeted the Europa League. And I think when you choose a manager, and he proves the last two seasons, winning trophies, getting into finals, then I don’t think it’s good club management to change… I did watch the final, but everything was changed.”
It’s clear that Ten Hag remains frustrated by Man Utd’s decision to sack him, and it could come back to bite them amid their pursuit of Nijstad.
