Erik ten Hag is banking on his relationship with Cody Gakpo giving Manchester United a decisive edge in the fight to land the in-demand PSV Eindhoven forward.
Ten Hag worked with Gakpo when he was in charge of the PSV academy more than a decade ago and maintained a friendship with the player and his family during his emergence as one of the Eredivisie’s top performers. Now the United boss is looking to bring £50million-rated Gakpo to Old Trafford in January after an outstanding World Cup sparked serious interest in the Dutchman from Real Madrid, Arsenal and Newcastle.
The bond Ten Hag has built up with Gakpo could be critical - as will the assurances the Dutch international is looking for with regards to his role in the team.
