We almost signed before the Euros because we wanted him to be a backup for Bruno Fernandes also because we love the way he plays. But Bruno might not be happy with that deal. We might risk losing Bruno Fernandes because of him but everybody at the club wants the Dutch Euros Best player this year”-Erik ten Hag has already made his feelings clear on Manchester United signing Xavi Simons this summer as he explains why they have never signed him yet.

Manchester United are considering a loan deal for Dutch forward Xavi Simons, with manager Erik ten Hag expressing his admiration for the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player.

This summer’s transfer activities are significant as it marks the first window under the new minority ownership of INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who now controls over 25% of the club. Ratcliffe’s involvement includes overseeing transfer decisions and football operations after a confirmed takeover earlier in the year.

Despite Manchester United’s victory in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, Erik ten Hag’s future with the club was uncertain due to their disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League, the worst in the club’s Premier League history. However, after a comprehensive strategic review, the club decided to retain Ten Hag and extended his contract until the summer of 2026.

With the managerial situation resolved, the club’s attention has now turned to bolstering the squad. United have made notable strides in their transfer pursuits. Striker Joshua Zirkzee is set to join the team, having completed a medical examination after United reached an agreement with Bologna on a £33.7 million transfer fee. This move positions Zirkzee as the club’s first acquisition of the summer. Furthermore, United have reached personal terms with Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, with Bayern seeking approximately £42 million for the centre-back.

Simons, who scored for the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to England, is another potential target for United. According to reports from the Mirror, United are exploring a loan deal for Simons, with PSG open to the move provided there is an obligation to purchase the player next summer.

Ten Hag has expressed his admiration for Simons, particularly after his performance against England. He stated, “I enjoyed Xavi Simons in that game. The drive he has, the passion with which he conquers balls and recognizes situations are top. His enormous drive as well. That is almost un-Dutch. I think you can see that he was trained abroad. He almost has a southern European doggedness in his game.”

Simons’ playing style reflects his training at Barcelona’s youth academy before moving to PSG in 2019 and spending the last season on loan at RB Leipzig.