Back in July, with Manchester United already linked to Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong, we saw former Red Devils’ assistant Rene Meulensteen being asked about the signing.
At that time, the coach showed support for the transfer, claiming he’d like to see the Dutch player being trained by Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Now as the Red Devils are said to be chasing PSV winger Cody Gakpo, many people could expect Meulensteen to be excited about that move as well, but it turns out that it’s actually the opposite.
The official was interviewed today by Algemeen Dagblad, and when quizzed about the potential move, he claimed the 23-year-old should actually turn down the offer from Manchester United.
“If I were Gakpo I’d say thank you for the honour and say: I will stay with PSV.”
“I’d say to him: boy, there are so many clubs to come. At PSV you had the chance to play the Champions League, you are not so sure about that at Manchester United at the moment.”
The story, brought by Voetbal Primeur, points out Meulensteen ‘had no contact’ with Erik ten Hag since the new boss took charge of the Red Devils.
Still, he brings some advice to the manager.
“Ten Hag has to be smart. As few long interviews as possible and get things on track as much as possible. The media attention in England is a hundred times worse than at Ajax. If he had called me before he started this job? Then I would have asked him if he had any idea what he was getting into.”
Meulensteen also talked about the chances of Manchester United signing two Eredivisie stars in Antony and Gakpo, claiming their adaptation to the Premier League may not be as expected.
“They are trying to get Antony and Gakpo, but I have my doubts about that. Those guys are fantastic in the Eredivisie, but that is no guarantee to make a difference here.”
