BREAKING NEWS: Erik Ten Hag, after officially becoming head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, made a shocking statement about Manchester United, and is targeting Red Devils players for the summer transfer window.

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves across Europe’s top leagues, Erik Ten Hag has officially been named the new head coach of Bayer Leverkusen. The announcement came shortly after the departure of Xabi Alonso, who left the club this summer after a successful stint marked by domestic achievements. Ten Hag’s appointment signals a new era for the Bundesliga side, but it’s not just the coaching change that has captured attention—it’s the fiery statements made by Ten Hag that have stirred up controversy, especially regarding his former club, Manchester United.

At his first press conference as Bayer Leverkusen boss, Ten Hag did not hold back. He openly expressed dissatisfaction with his previous tenure at Old Trafford, highlighting structural issues and a lack of autonomy that, according to him, hampered his ability to succeed. “At Manchester United, I was not given the control or structure I needed. Here at Leverkusen, I’ve found a football project that is clear, united, and ambitious. This is how modern football should be run,” he declared with conviction.

This blunt critique is rare from a former United manager, especially so soon after his departure. Ten Hag’s comments were seen by many as a direct critique of Manchester United’s management and board, indicating deep frustrations that remained unresolved. The Dutch coach’s candor has sparked immediate reactions from both sides, with fans and analysts weighing in on the implications for both clubs.

What truly shocked the football community, however, was Ten Hag’s hint about potential transfer plans targeting players currently at Manchester United. He stated, “Some players at United deserve better football than what they’ve been given. And yes, I will be looking at some of them this summer.” This statement strongly suggests Ten Hag is eyeing specific Red Devils for recruitment to help build his new Leverkusen side.

Reports emerging from both Germany and England indicate that Ten Hag has already begun compiling a shortlist of Manchester United players he plans to pursue. These players are believed to include individuals who either thrived under his leadership at Old Trafford or those whose potential was never fully realized during his controversial tenure. The rumored targets include some recognizable names.

Among those reportedly on Ten Hag’s radar are Donny van de Beek, Facundo Pellistri, Victor Lindelöf, and Scott McTominay. Van de Beek, in particular, has struggled for consistent playing time at United, and a reunion with Ten Hag could provide the Dutch midfielder with a fresh start. Similarly, Pellistri’s speed and pressing ability have caught the eye of the Leverkusen coach, despite the winger’s limited opportunities at Old Trafford.

Victor Lindelöf, a defender known for his tactical versatility, could add valuable experience and depth to Leverkusen’s backline, while McTominay’s physicality and Premier League grit make him an appealing midfield enforcer option for the Bundesliga club. These targeted players reflect Ten Hag’s vision for a Leverkusen squad built on a blend of technical skill and hard-working mentality.

Unsurprisingly, Ten Hag’s aggressive transfer approach has raised concerns within Manchester United’s boardroom. The club is currently navigating a summer of uncertainty, juggling a board reshuffle and ongoing squad restructuring, and Ten Hag’s public declarations have added to the tension. Some insiders fear that the Dutch coach’s recruitment ambitions could destabilize the Red Devils’ transfer strategy.

Erik Ten Hag’s exit from Manchester United was far from smooth. His tenure was marked by tactical experimentation, mixed results, and off-field controversies, including leaked tensions within the dressing room and disputes over transfer policy. His departure was met with mixed feelings from fans and the club alike—relief by some, regret by others.

Now, Ten Hag’s public remarks suggest he is far from closing the chapter quietly. Instead, he appears determined to carve out a new legacy at Bayer Leverkusen, one that could potentially unsettle his former club by poaching key players and demonstrating what might have been possible with greater support.

For Bayer Leverkusen, the acquisition of Ten Hag is a statement of intent. The club has pledged substantial investment to back the new coach’s vision, promising him greater control over transfers and squad-building than he ever had in Manchester. This newfound autonomy is seen as crucial to the success of their ambitious project.

A senior Leverkusen board member recently commented, “Ten Hag is a strong-willed and meticulous coach. We believe he’s the right man to take our club to the next level, not just in Germany, but across Europe.” With financial muscle and a clear plan, Leverkusen hopes to challenge the Bundesliga’s elite and make deeper runs in European competitions.

As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes are on Bayer Leverkusen to see how Ten Hag’s recruitment drive unfolds. Will the Dutch coach succeed in bringing several Manchester United players to Germany? And how will United respond to this potential raid on their squad?

The coming weeks promise intense negotiations, strategic maneuvering, and plenty of drama. For now, Erik Ten Hag has made it clear that his ambitions are far from diminished, and his journey with Bayer Leverkusen is just beginning.