- Paul Merson wondered why Ten Hag did not have his compatriot in his sights
- Van de Ven has had an excellent start since joining Tottenham this summer
- Is Erik ten Hag crazy at Man United? Listen to It’s All Kicking Off here
Paul Merson has claimed that Manchester United’s hierarchy should ‘ask serious questions’ to manager Erik ten Hag after he failed to sign Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven this summer.
Tottenham signed Van de Ven from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in a £43 million transfer in the summer.
The 22-year-old has formed a crucial partnership at the heart of Tottenham’s defense with Cristian Romero, conceding just nine goals in 10 Premier League games this season.
Van de Ven and Romero have helped Spurs to an unbeaten start to the Premier League season, with Ange Postecoglou’s side occupying top spot with 26 points.
The centre-back was rewarded for his early season form by earning his first cap for the Netherlands during last month’s international break.
Micky van de Ven has made an excellent start at Tottenham since signing this summer
Paul Merson has wondered why Man United boss Erik ten Hag did not target his compatriot
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Merson believes Man United should question Ten Hag over their inability to target his compatriot, with the former Arsenal midfielder highlighting their defensive problems this season.
The Red Devils conceded sixteen goals in the Premier League and had to rely on veteran Jonny Evans after injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
‘I would ask questions if I owned the club. I would be sitting there now and I would go to you as manager: “Why didn’t we get the boy from Tottenham?” Merson told Sky Sports.
‘He’s Dutch. You are Dutch. You know the competition. You know the players. Why is he at Tottenham and not here? And we don’t have a central defender.’
“No respect for Evans. But you play a thirty-year-old next to Maguire. Varane cannot get fit. Lindelof, I don’t think he’s a real centre-back, if I’m being completely honest. I wouldn’t mind if he marked me.
‘Then you look at this player (Van de Ven), who is one of the best central defenders in the league at the moment. And he doesn’t play for Man United. He wasn’t £80-90 million. Serious questions.’
Merson claimed Man United’s owners should ask Ten Hag ‘serious questions’
Man United have been forced to call on veteran Jonny Evans due to defensive injuries
Ten Hag has previously been criticized for his tendency to focus on signing players he has already worked with.
Antony and Lisandro Martinez both followed him from Ajax last year, while there were concerns about the influence of the SEG agency, the company of Ten Hag’s agent Kees Vos.
Man United are expected to make defensive reinforcements in January, with Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo linked to the club.