Manchester United have made a fine start to life under Erik ten Hag and find themselves firmly in the top four after a superb comeback in their recent 2-1 win in the Manchester Derby.
The Red Devils splurged out around £200 million on six signings in the summer and are now seeing a steady return on their investments under their new manager.
However, according to new reports, Ten Hag has eyes set on further signings, specifically youngsters with high potential in his native Netherlands and Germany.
A United insider told The Sun: “The manager is insistent there are gems in Holland and Germany the club should take a greater interest in.
“He feels quite strongly that United can steal a march and the scouts have been told United need to ramp things up in both Holland and Germany.”
The Dutchman has already shown a great deal of faith in the talents scattered around the Eredivisie, securing the transfers of full back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and the South American duo of centre back Lisandro Martinez and right winger Antony from Ajax last summer.
United were also heavily linked to Martinez’s centre back partner Jurrien Timber but would eventually settle on the Butcher of Amsterdam for a reported transfer fee of £47 million(rising to £57 million with add-ons).
The Red Devils are currently said to be tracking a host of youngsters plying their trade in Holland with another Ajax duo in 19-year-old right-back Devyne Rensch and 20-year-old central midfielder Kenneth Taylor reportedly having caught Erik ten Hag’s fancy.
PSV’s midfield dynamo Joey Veerman and AZ Alkmaar’s Swedish forward Jesper Karlsson, both aged 24, are also being meticulously scouted as Manchester United look to the future under a new ownership next summer.
Ten Hag recently sanctioned the loan signing of Wout Weghorst, a striker who also started his career in Holland with Emmen before further spells at Heracles and AZ Alkmaar.
The 30 year old is likely to be Red Devil’s only outfield signing in January with the Glazers reluctant to spend any more money at the moment.
However, United fans can still look forward to the summer with renewed enthusiasm, safe in the knowledge that their manager has his eye out for prospective signings who may yet propel them to newer heights once the Glazers have packed their bags and skipped town for good.