Erik ten Hag can cause four Man Utd upsets after unexpected Bayern Munich move

Erik ten Hag will have several opportunities to sting Manchester United in the transfer market if he joins Bayern Munich in the summer. The Dutchman is reportedly evaluating his options away from Old Trafford in the event he is sacked by the Red Devils at the end of the season.

According to Sky Germany, talks have already been held with Ten Hag’s representatives ahead of a possible summer switch. It is said that Bayern have added Ten Hag to their list of managerial candidates after failing to secure the services of former United boss Ralf Rangnick.

There is no guarantee that United will decide to part ways with Ten Hag, but it seems he could walk straight into the Bayern job if he is given the boot. It would give him the chance to cause the Red Devils a world of pain in the transfer market by poaching some of their best players, as well as other targets United have been linked with.

Express Sport takes a look at four potential transfers Ten Hag is likely to be keen on if he takes charge at Bayern…

Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo would be the dream signing for Ten Hag, who has nurtured the teenage midfielder during his rise to stardom at United this season. Mainoo’s potential has been known for some time but it was Ten Hag who trusted him enough to include him in the senior squad and the Dutchman has been rewarded for his faith.

On a list of ideal players for Bayern to target, Mainoo would undoubtedly be near the very top given his obvious ability and sky-high potential. However, it seems highly unlikely that United would let him leave after reaching an agreement to extend his stay at the club until 2030.

Alejandro Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho is another United starlet who has flourished under Ten Hag’s guidance this season. The Argentine winger has firmly established himself as a key man for the Red Devils, with nine goals and five assists to his name in all competitions.

It was recently reported that United were willing to sell the majority of their first-team squad in the summer as part of a radical overhaul at Old Trafford. However, it is said that Garnacho and Mainoo are two of three players to have been deemed off-limits, making it unlikely that Ten Hag would succeed in bringing him to Bayern.

Frenkie de Jong

United have been heavily linked with a move for Frenkie de Jong for several years but have never been able to finalise his capture. They pushed to land the Barcelona man in Ten Hag’s first summer transfer window but were reportedly rejected by the player himself, who had no interest in moving to England.

It remains to be seen if things could be different for Ten Hag if he launches a renewed attempt to sign De Jong at Bayern next season. The pair have already worked together at Ajax, with the midfielder playing a huge part in getting the Dutch giants to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

Jeremie Frimpong

Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as one of the hottest talents in Europe after helping Xabi Alonso’s side to win their first Bundesliga title. He has reportedly been admired by United for some time, with Ten Hag thought to be a huge fan of the Manchester City academy product.

It seems a move to Bayern would be more likely than Frimpong joining United, given that he is already settled in Germany and would not be forced to uproot to a new country. The shared Dutch connection between Frimpong and Ten Hag could also work in Bayern’s favour if the current United boss replaces Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena.