Manchester United identify Dutch winger as transfer target; face competition from Bayern Munich and AC Milan: Reports
Manchester United have entered the race to sign Ruben van Bommel, according to Calciomercato. The Dutch winger has been in fine form for AZ Alkmaar of late and also has admirers at AC Milan and Bayern Munich.
Van Bommel has enjoyed a steady rise since arriving at AFAS Stadium in the summer of 2023 from MVV Maastricht. He had a fruitful debut season with Alkmaar, registering 10 goals and one assist from 41 games.
The 20-year-old has taken his game to a higher level this campaign and has turned heads at multiple clubs across Europe. Van Bommel has scored six goals and set up three more from nine games so far. Manchester United are pleased with his efforts and are already considering a move next summer.
The Red Devils brought in Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna this summer to improve their attack. However, the Premier League giants have struggled to impress in the final third. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is on borrowed time and Manchester United could consider offers for the Englishman in 2025.
Alejandro Garnacho has been impressive in the right forward role, which could tempt the Red Devils to invest in a new left forward. Van Bommel has been identified as an option for the job.
However, prising him away from the Eredivisie club won't be a walk in the park. The Dutchman is under contract until 2027, so he is likely to cost a sizeable fee.
Meanwhile, AC Milan have identified him as a possible successor for Samuel Chukwueze, who could leave next summer. Bayern Munich also have their eyes on Van Bommel, who could be a fine replacement for Kingsley Coman at the Allianz Arena.
Could Manchester United sack Erik ten Hag?
Manchester United's new minority owners INEOS are working behind the scenes to get the club back to their heyday. They have invested wisely in the squad and also made multiple changes behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
With the Red Devils yet to show improvements on the pitch, further changes could be in order. Manchester United have already lost four of their six games this season, including three in the Premier League.
The Red Devils already have a negative goal difference in the league, which has raised questions about Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman may have won two trophies during his time at Old Trafford, but his team still lack identify on the pitch.
Sunday's lacklustre performance against Tottenham Hotspur hasn't done him any good either. The English giants are already linked with multiple managerial candidates, and unless results improve, Ten Hag's position will be in danger.