Popular Man Utd signing under pressure as Ten Hag identifies ideal starting role for £40m target
Manchester United remain interested in versatile Ajax star Mohammed Kudus, according to a report revealing where he would play if he arrived at Old Trafford.
Kudus has been enjoying a productive season with Ajax, where he previously played under Erik ten Hag. In 2022-23, the Ghana international has scored 18 goals and assisted five more from 38 appearances in all competitions.
His gametime has come as either a centre-forward, right-winger or central attacking midfielder. Therefore, there are several ways he could become beneficial to Man Utd if he was to join them.
After they previously showed an interest, Kudus is back on Man Utd’s radar, as TEAMtalk revealed back in March.
Now, Football Transfers has provided an update about Man Utd’s pursuit. According to the website, they believe they can sign the 22-year-old for a fee of €45million (just under £40m).
If they are able to acquire him, then Kudus would primarily be used by Ten Hag as a number 10. The report suggests he could become a successor to Christian Eriksen.
Man Utd picked up the popular attacking midfielder on a free transfer when his short-term deal with Brentford expired last summer. Per Football Transfers, though, Eriksen was only ever an alternative to Kudus and a ‘medium-term’ solution.
His contract in Manchester is due to last for another two seasons after the present one concludes. At the age of 31, though, he could be phased out over time.
Besides, when Eriksen was absent through injury recently – at a similar time to fellow 2022 midfield recruit, Casemiro – it became clear that Man Utd could do with some more depth in his territory.
Ten Hag could complete third Man Utd raid on Ajax
Should all go to plan, Kudus could become a solution. Although he has played more often at centre-forward this season, Ten Hag would still be looking to sign a striker in addition to him.
However, adding Kudus to their squad is by far from a certainty for Man Utd. Recently, the former Nordsjaelland starlet confirmed he wouldn’t be opposed to signing a contract renewal with Ajax.
But if anyone can convince him otherwise, it might be Ten Hag. After all, the manager has already raided Ajax for Antony and Lisandro Martinez since leaving them to take the Man Utd job.
During their time together before, Kudus scored five goals from 42 appearances under Ten Hag. He has upped his game in front of goal since Man Utd prised the manager away, but playing in a slightly deeper role again under him might reduce his output if they reunite.
Regardless, Ten Hag has seemingly found a way in which Kudus could be useful to him. With that in mind, Ajax might be bracing themselves to hear from Man Utd yet again.
