Erik ten Hag was vetoed by the Manchester United board over his attempts to sign Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech.
Ten Hag oversaw a busy transfer window at Old Trafford with Ziyech viewed as a potential alternative to Antony, whose arrival at United was confirmed on Thursday, having agreed an £85million fee with Ajax earlier this week.
The Brazil international signed a five-year deal until 2027, to become the club’s fifth signing of the summer as Ten Hag continued to overhaul his new squad following his appointment at the end of last season. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka joined from Newcastle on a season-long loan deal later in the day.
While Ten Hag was given the green light over the majority of his summer signings – with Antony and Lisandro Martinez joining upon his request from Ajax, alongside free agent Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia arriving from Feyenoord. However, the Manchester Evening News claims that United’s board vetoed the boss over his interest in Ziyech.
It is claimed that Ziyech was seen as a potential alternative in attack, but that the plan would never have been for the Moroccan to be a first-choice starter at Old Trafford. Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony Elanga are alternatives in the wide attacking areas for United.
Ziyech has scored 14 goals in 85 appearances for the Blues in all competitions over the past two seasons, but since securing his £40 million switch from Ajax in 2020, he has failed to hit the heights that were expected of him and has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot under Thomas Tuchel.
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He seemingly has a peripheral place in Tuchel's plans, having been left on the bench for both of their opening two Premier League games and only being a late substitute in the 3-0 loss at Leeds. The Moroccan enjoyed a highly successful four-year spell at Ajax, the majority of which was under Ten Hag, before joining the Blues.
Ziyech scored 49 goals and notched an astonishing 81 assists in his 165 games for the Dutch giants. That helped them to win the Eredivisie title, the KNVB Cup and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Indeed the winger said of Ten Hag following his appointment at Old Trafford: “Erik has been super important to me. I am grateful to him and wish him all the best. I will always cheer for Erik after working so closely together. I have not been able to celebrate or cheer for him as he got no points yet.
“I couldn't until now anyway and that makes me sad. But knowing Erik, I am convinced that he will turn the tide soon. Manchester United will improve at his hand. At his previous clubs, he has proven that his method works.”
