Manchester United gaffer Erik ten Hag has mischievously refused to dismiss speculation arising regarding making a sensational move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar as it is understood that the Brazil star has supposedly been made available by the Parisian club this summer with United being one of the main clubs contacted over a possible transfer.
Neymar had migrated from Barcelona to the Parc des Princes club in 2017at a world record cost of £200million, is currently among some of the big names, alongside Lionel Messi, who are most likely to be moved on as the club’s Qatari owners look to rebuild.
As for United, it now remains to be seen how feasible the purported move would be while Ten Hag assesses the number of recruits he’s targeting after having spent £220million in his first transfer window. When pressed for details, the Dutchman played coy when asked about the rumors circulating in France ahead of United’s penultimate Premier League game against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
“When we have news we will tell you,” replied Ten Hag with a mischievous smile.
United are expected to be busy in the transfer market again this summer with the number of players leaving Old Trafford expected to run into double figures, among whom are the likes of Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, Diogo Dalot, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Fred, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Elanga and Brandon Williams. Several fringe players including Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly and Alex Telles are also expected to depart.
Ten Hag was queried again regarding Martial’s situation after the Frenchman appeared to react angrily to being substituted in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Bournemouth, and was asked whether the prevailing assumption that the player will leave is correct.
“No,” said Ten Hag.
“If you are not available, you can’t score. When he was available we played better and the team is winning games. He’s also scoring goals but he has to be available.”