Manchester United made ‘several attempts’ for player this summer – Ten Hag was ‘deployed’ to convince him

Manchester United made ‘several attempts’ to sign Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kökçü this summer before his eventual switch to Benfica.

That’s according to 1908.nl, who say Erik ten Hag had been ‘deployed’ to convince the player to make the move to Old Trafford.

Kökçü has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for several years after impressing with Feyenoord in the Netherlands, particularly in their title success under Arne Slot last season.

Manchester United had been credited with an interest thanks to Ten Hag, who was more than happy to shop in the Eredivisie last summer and even brought in Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.

According to 1908, he was involved in talks for Kökçü, with Manchester United using him to convince the player on a move to Manchester United.

United had also made ‘several attempts’ for the player but a full, formal bid ‘failed to materialise’ as they remain focused on trying to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea instead.

Thus, Kökçü decided to go to Benfica, who he sees as the perfect intermediate step for his career ahead of a potential big move in the future.

Perhaps that will be to Manchester United, who were keen this summer and even employed Ten Hag to convince the player but seemingly didn’t make their move because they prefer Mount.