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During his time at the helm at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag aggressively targeted players with Dutch connections.

United’s recruitment team appeared to follow Ten Hag’s instructions without question, bringing in players such as Tyrell Malacia, Matthijs de Ligt, Antony, Joshua Zirkzee, and Wout Weghorst, among others.

Still, the Red Devils were unable to secure all of his targets, including Brian Brobbey.

Sunderland signed Brian Brobbey from Ajax towards the end of last summer for €20 million plus €5m in add-ons.

The 24-year-old has proven to be a shrewd addition for the newly promoted side, impressing with his brute force and link-up play. The Netherlands international has five goals and one assist to his name in 21 Premier League appearances.

According to Voetbal International (via Sport Witness), United tried to sign Brobbey before he moved to Sunderland.

It is believed that Ten Hag attempted to bring Brobbey to United in a €40m deal in 2022. However, the youngster “wisely decided to stay” in Amsterdam.

The Dutchman eventually joined the Black Cats, where he is now demonstrating why Ten Hag was eager to sign him for the Red Devils. 

It is also reported that Brobbey turned down...