Ten Hag’s two-word Man Utd request hints at sudden change of transfer strategy

Ten Hag took risks after arriving in England last year, splashing big sums of money on players he trusted to deliver rather than those who were proven at the highest level.

Of course, there were a couple of examples of the latter. Five-time Champions League winner Casemiro and Premier League veteran Christian Eriksen heavily contributed to a successful debut season.

But heads were turned when Ten Hag told United to snub a move for Villarreal’s Pau Torres in favour of a £57million deal for Lisandro Martinez.

Heads and eyebrows were raised when he later sanctioned an £82m swoop for Antony, another crucial cog of his exciting final Ajax side.

Martinez’s height was a prominent subject, especially after United’s nightmare start to the campaign, while doubts over Antony’s impact were just as loud.

But the Argentine was one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs in his first year in England. Antony, while not as productive as his price tag demands, has shown serious signs of promise and quality.

That said, Ten Hag’s “no risk” mantra signals that he will move away from risky deals and stick with targets closer to M16 this summer.

Early approaches for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane have emphasised his stance.

United have walked away from Kane due to Daniel Levy’s refusal to sell, despite his likely free agent status next year, but have already bid £40m for Mount and plan to do so again at an increased value.