Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES
Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United was heavily influenced by his connections to Dutch football.
The former boss frequently targeted players from the Eredivisie or those with Ajax links.
During his tenure, Ten Hag signed former Ajax stars Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, Antony, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui.
He also brought in Netherlands internationals Tyrell Malacia and Joshua Zirkzee.
While also regularly being linked with Frenkie de Jong.
However, one player who was encouraged to stay put was Ajax youngster Van Axel Dongen.
Van Axel Dongen reveals conversation with Erik ten Hag
The youngster has now revealed that Ten Hag personally called him to discuss his future.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport as per VoetbalZone, Van Axel Dongen recalled: “That was the manager who had brought me to the first team.
“Of course, he heard about the situation. He called me, and I was in the cinema.
“I suddenly see a missed call from Ten Hag. I think: why is he calling me?
“Then we spoke, and I explained the situation to him.”
Despite expressing interest in bringing the winger to Old Trafford, Ten Hag ultimately advised him to remain in Amsterdam.
“He told me honestly, and I appreciate that from him, ‘I worked with you, but I advise you to stay at Ajax. That’s where you can develop yourself best.’
“He said: ‘If you leave, I want you to come to me.’ That’s what he said.
“Those were his own words.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
The handling of players from Erik ten Hag has been a major talking point since his dismissal in October.
The Dutchman recently criticised modern footballers for struggling to deal with criticism.
In his first interview since being sacked, he took aim at the current generation of players.
He said: “This generation usually find it difficult to deal with criticism.
“Criticism really gets to them.
“The generation that I grew up in had much thicker skin. You could be much more direct.
“I was approached much more directly.
“If I would do that with my current group of players, I would demotivate them.
“If you do that to the current generation, they find it offensive.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Source: Centred Devils
