Ajax were amongst the winners on social media as they reacted to Manchester United confirming the double signing of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
The two defenders made the £60m move from Bayern Munich, having both previously starred at Ajax under Erik ten Hag’s guidance several years ago.
Their arrival at Old Trafford completes another deals for ex-Ajax stars with Ten Hag continuing the trend of recruiting players he once worked with in Amsterdam.
Since taking charge of Man United two-years ago, the Dutchman has now signed five players he once coached at Ajax. Lisandro Martinez and Antony being the first of those, followed by Andre Onana and on Tuesday snapping up De Ligt and Mazraoui.
Ten Hag is continuing to trust players – and coaches – with experience of playing in the Netherlands for his overhaul at the club following a disastrous eighth-place Premier League finish.
Manchester United confirmed the double signing of Matthijs de Ligt (middle left) and Noussair Mazraoui (middle right)
United manager Erik ten Hag (left) previously worked with De Ligt (right) at Ajax
Mazraoui also starred under Ten Hag’s previous guidance at the Dutch club before he joined Bayern Munich
Ajax and United have shared a strong relationship over the years and the Dutch club shared their feelings on the transfer dealings of the 13-time Premier League champions.
Posting on X, Ajax’s official account hilariously tweeted: ‘Manchester is red’ alongside a winking face emoji.
The update was well-received by United supporters who jokingly suggested that Ajax had become their ‘feeder club’ as players continue to arrive in England that have represented both clubs.
Ten Hag has been well-backed in the summer transfer market ahead of the new Premier League season
Lisandro Martinez (left) and Antony (right) previously joined Ten Hag when he left Ajax to take charge at Old Trafford
One reply to Ajax’s online post stated: ‘We are building a full Ajax XI, do you have any more players for sale?’.
Another United fan account similarly joked: ‘Our sister club. Keep producing the gems for us.’
Meanwhile, United could further continue their trend of signing ex-Ajax stars as they continue to step up their interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
The Catalan club are open to selling the one-time Ajax star who starred under Ten Hag and has been a long-term target of his former manager, but has previously opted to stay in LaLiga.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk