Bayern Munich wonderkid Ryan Gravenberch has revealed that new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag tried to persuade him to make a move to Old Trafford.
In an interview with De Telegraaf Gravenberch commented: “Manchester United is a very big and nice club. But I already had such a good feeling with Bayern and I had given them my word” which is why he turned down the advances from Manchester United and Erik Ten Hag to join Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich Wonderkid Turned Down Erik ten Hag Reunion
Potential Reunion
Although he will now join Bayern Munich, Gravenberch made his name playing at Ajax under Erik ten Hag. The Dutch midfielder came through the academy in Amsterdam and after impressing for Ajax’s second team Jong Ajax, he was promoted to the senior side for the 2020/21 season.
In his first campaign with the first-team Gravenberch made 47 appearances across all competitions and followed that up by playing 42 times in his second. He provided the occasional goal from midfield with a tally of five in his first season, although he only notched three the next year.
Ryan Gravenberch appears to be the latest diamond to come through the famed Ajax youth system. His potential was clear to some in 2018 when he was part of the European U-17 Championship-winning Holland side and received the Ajax Talent of the Future Award in the same year.
Manchester Midfield Targets
It’s clear based on the club’s transfer activity that Manchester United are seeking a midfielder as the first piece of Ten Hag’s puzzle. Although the Dutch boss failed to convince his Ajax starlet Gravenberch to join the side they have set their sights on completing a move for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, who notably also came to prominence with Ajax.
Read more: Manchester United receive Barcelona’s verdict on their latest Frenkie de Jong offer
One thing is for sure, Manchester United know what they want this summer, and it’s a star midfield player.
