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Erik ten Hag is filmed jokingly asking Manchester United fans: “Have you got a few pennies for me?” when asked if he was going to sign Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe… with club only set to make loan deals in January as Glazers try to sell
A small group of Manchester United supporters got a taste of Erik ten Hag’s humorous side after he jokingly asked them if they had “pennies” for him after asking if the club could sign two of soccer’s global superstars.
The images come amid United’s January plans which are largely limited to loan deals with the Glazer family looking to sell the club.
Supporters waiting to get Ten Hag’s autographs were delighted when the Dutchman rolled down his window to oblige, and rather than ignore the various shouts from the waiting fans, Ten Hag decided to participate.
Erik ten Hag was filmed joking with his fans about wanting to sign Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe
Erik, do you think you’re going to sign Jude Bellingham? a supporter is heard asking.
Perhaps due to the youth of the questioner, Ten Hag played along and replied, “I want to!”
This prompted further questions from waiting supporters, with several children seeking selfies and autographs with the United boss.
Or Mbappe? the same person is heard asking. Then another guy cheekily chimes in wondering if the club could ambitiously get ‘both’.
Laughingly, Ten Hag solicited financial input from supporters should they want those two players, which would likely cost a combined fee of over £350m.
Ten Hag was a good sport when asked by several young fans about signing two of soccer’s biggest superstars.
Erik ten Hag last month implored the club to be ambitious in its January transfer quest.
Do you have a few cents for me?
An older supporter spoke on behalf of all United fans and encouraged the Dutchman to “keep doing what you’re doing” with the club on a seven-match winning streak.
United are actively looking to sign a center forward this January, and director of football John Murtough said at a fan forum in December that they would look to bring one.
Last month, Ten Hag implored the club to set “high limits” in its search for a center forward this month.
It is always difficult. Strikers are expensive, especially in winter,” Ten Hag said. But you have to set high limits. We are looking for it. We need to be creative and do everything in our power to bring in the right players, who fit the balance.
The Glazers are seeking buyers for Manchester United as they look to bring the curtain down on their highly controversial property tenure.
‘It’s all about time and availability. It’s about so many circumstances that play a role in that. It’s a long period and the window hasn’t even started yet.
Anthony Martial is currently the only recognized player they have in that role after Cristiano Ronaldo’s acrimonious departure last month following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
“As always, the main focus remains on the summer window, and we are already well underway with our planning for next summer,” he said.
Loan Besiktas striker Wout Weghorst could move to Manchester United in January
“January is a difficult time to find players that teams are willing to let go. • It is no secret that we are looking for a new centre-forward,’ he added. “We’ll see what’s possible in January but, as Erik told the media in Spain last week, we only want to bring in players who are good enough and make the team stronger.”
“We are not going to sign players for making signings. You also need to remember that we invested over £200m in the team last summer and as a club we need to remain financially disciplined and abide by the FFP rules.
“So as we explore options, I don’t expect it to be a busy window in January on the men’s side.”
The center forward currently on United’s radar is Wout Weghorst, who is under contract with Burnley but spent this season on loan at Turkish Super Lig club Besiktas. The club is still in talks to sign the Dutch international on loan.