Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and USMNT youngster Taylor Booth may not have crossed paths at FC Utrecht but it has not stopped the latter from catching the Old Trafford manager's eye.
Reports this summer have linked the 22-year-old midfielder with a move to the Reds as Ten Hag aims to add a younger feel to his squad. A central midfielder by trade, Booth was predominantly utilised on the right wing in the latter stages of last season.
His two goals and four assists in the Eredivisie did not set the world alight but his potential is clear. Booth's previous club Bayern Munich had offered the United States international a new contract but he chose to leave the Bundesliga champions last summer in search of regular first team football in the Netherlands.
Booth would be able to play across the midfield, a key attribute considering the number of fronts Ten Hag's men will be battling on next season. In an interview with GOAL, Booth outlined his depth as a midfielder.
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"I can play anywhere in the midfield - I prefer eight or 10 because I like more of an attacking role," he said. "I prefer a free, roaming role, I can always get on the ball. I love to have the ball at my feet. I love being involved in the game, getting my teammates involved in the game and I love to be able to dictate the tempo of the game."
With such an approach to the game, it is no surprise one of his heroes growing up was United icon David Beckham. Outlining why he is an inspiration, Booth added: "Thierry Henry and David Beckham [are my idols]. I can remember when I was younger just watching them on YouTube all day dreaming that one day it could be me."
Should United make a move for him, Booth would be one step closer to emulating his childhood dream. At £10m ($13m), the Utah native represents great value for money and is certainly a player who could develop and grow in the years to come.
A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here
