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Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has blamed the loss of vital and important players in the summer on Ajax’s sacking of Alfred Schreuder.
During the summer transfer window, Erik ten Hag raided his old club and dated Lisandro Martinez and Antony.
Initially, the United manager wanted Jurrien Timber before turning his attention to Martinez.
Ten Hag then pounced on Antony at the end of the window and got his man after the winger went on strike to force a move to Old Trafford.
Schreuder at the time, who replaced Ten Hag at Ajax, repeatedly made public statements warning United to keep Antony away.
He remarked on multiple occasions that the Brazilian was not going anywhere and that the club promised him that he could count on the attacker’s services for the season.
According to Van der Sar, who is the CEO of Ajax, the Dutch giants were almost helpless in their efforts to drive United away and keep their stars.
The United legend said that when Ten Hag called up Martinez and Antony, the two players found it almost impossible to turn him down.
“When your old manager [Erik ten Hag] asks you to come to Manchester United, it is very difficult to keep them [Antony and Martinez].”
• Regarding the promises made to Schreuder about keeping the players.
Van der Sar: “When your old manager asks you to come to Manchester United, it’s very difficult to keep him.” pic.twitter.com/eMPb8Fa6og
— ???????????? ???????????????? ???? (@TheEuropeanLad) February 6, 2023
According to Van der Sar, losing players like Martinez and Antony made Schreuder’s job even more difficult.
The former United goalkeeper also confirmed that he was involved in the deals to bring Martinez and Antonio to the Theater of Dreams.
???? – Van der Sar: “I have been involved in some transfers. With Brobbey, and with Manchester United in regards to Martínez & Antony”. pic.twitter.com/CjcoL0FXzz
— ???????????? ???????????????? ???? (@TheEuropeanLad) February 6, 2023
It is a well-known fact that his participation helped break the deadlock between Ajax and United during the negotiations for the two footballers.
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