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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Dan Marsh

Four players that have already snubbed Man Utd as Erik ten Hag target opts against move

It's been a tough start to life at Manchester United for Erik ten Hag, who saw his side humbled by Brighton in their Premier League opener on Sunday - and the Dutchman has endured a pretty torrid time in the transfer market, too.

Hopes were high at Old Trafford when the former Ajax chief was appointed back in April, but it was clear that Ten Hag would need to oversee a major overhaul of United's current playing squad in order to improve the club's fortunes.

However, United have only managed to clinch three signings this summer and have failed to land some of Ten Hag's top targets. Here, Mirror Football takes a look at the players who have already snubbed a move to Manchester United this summer...

Benjamin Sesko

Benjamin Sesko emerged as a target for Manchester United after Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his desire to quit the club for a second time, but the 19-year-old is now on the cusp of a move to Leipzig.

The news will come as a bitter blow to United, who reportedly saw bids for the talented striker rebuffed by RB Salzburg.

United were thought to be competing with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain for the Slovenian ace, who plundered 10 goals in all competitions last term. But it's Leipzig who are poised to pinch the sought-after striker and deal Ten Hag yet another transfer blow.

Frenkie de Jong

Join the debate! What have you made of Man Utd's transfer business this summer? Let us know here.

Frenkie de Jong has repeatedly insisted that he would prefer to stay at Barcelona this summer (Getty Images)

Manchester United's tedious pursuit of Frenkie de Jong has dominated the narrative at Old Trafford this summer - but it could finally be drawing to a conclusion.

De Jong rose to prominence at Ajax under Ten Hag, who is keen to reunite with the playmaker at Old Trafford. However, the Dutch international has publicly reiterated his desire to stay at Barcelona.

The Spanish giants are in financial turmoil and they could still decide to cash in on De Jong if he refuses to reduce his bloated salary - but the 25-year-old would rather join Chelsea if he is forced out as they can offer Champions League football.

Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber was not interested in reuniting with Ten Hag at Manchester United (Getty Images)

Jurrien Timber was another player that Ten Hag was keen to reunite with in England after the 21-year-old played a starring role in Ajax's Dutch league title success last year.

But Timber was reluctant to follow his old boss to the Premier League - leaving Ten Hag stunned. It is believed that Timber deemed a move to Old Trafford at this stage of his career as too big of a risk.

Timber's snub saw Ten Hag move onto his Ajax teammate, Lisandro Martinez, who eventually became United's marquee defensive signing in a deal that could eclipse £55.3million after lengthy negotiations.

Malcolm Ebiowei

Malcolm Ebiowei burst onto the scene in the Championship with Derby County last term, and the Rams' relegation sparked a scramble from clubs desperate to snap up the talented teenager.

United were one of the clubs courting Ebiowei, but the 18-year-old instead decided to join Crystal Palace.

Ten Hag has a reputation for nurturing top young talent and giving youth a chance, but even that wasn't enough to convince Ebiowei to make the switch to Old Trafford.

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