Manchester United have been warned that appointing Erik ten Hag could lead to a number of big-name players leaving the club, including Bruno Fernandes.
The Red Devils have struck an agreement in principle for the Ajax boss to become their next permanent manager and succeed Ralf Rangnick, who has been presiding over first-team affairs on an interim basis since December after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked. Ten Hag held multiple rounds of in-depth talks with the Old Trafford hierarchy before being offered the job and laid out a five-year plan to bring United back to the top of world football.
Reacting to news that a long-term approach will be implemented, former midfielder Kleberson has suggested that Fernandes will now be considering his future in Manchester, despite the 27-year-old signing a new five-year contract with the club only a fortnight ago.
Speaking to Paddy Power, the ex-Red Devils player claimed: "I can see a lot of players at Manchester United leaving if they appoint a new manager who is building for the long term. It gives Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo the opportunity to leave the club as a lot of things can change with a new manager.
"Fernandes is a special player and Manchester United need a player who can decide the game and create something in important moments. It's hard when there are so many quality players and big names. It's important to keep players like Bruno Fernandes to prepare properly for the future. We don't know whats going to happen with Harry Maguire either."
Kleberson added: "Erik ten Hag would represent a change in style as his teams like to have the ball and have more possession and that could help the quality players at United like Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford – they like to have the ball at their feet.
Join the debate! Will Ten Hag's appointment lead to Fernandes leaving Man Utd? Comment your thoughts below.
"It's hard to say if ten Hag is the best option for Manchester United. He'll need to take a lot of big decisions regarding the full squad ahead of next season in terms of who is going to leave. Appointing him would be long term project because it will take some time to get the players used to his style of play."
A move away would be a U-turn for Fernandes, who is now tied down at Old Trafford until 2026. "There is so much more that I want to achieve here, and I know that is the same for the rest of the squad and staff," the Portuguese declared after putting pen to paper on his new lucrative deal.
"More than anything, we want to give the fans the success that they deserve. We have shared some great moments over the last years, but the best is yet to come from myself and this team."
