Erik ten Hag misses out on transfer target after Wesley Sneijder advice to snub Man Utd
The Mirror Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu is set to join Portuguese champions Benfica after Wesley Sneijder urged the midfielder to reject a transfer to Manchester United.
The 22-year-old captained Feyenoord to their stunning Eredivisie title success this campaign and was widely linked with a transfer this summer. The players father had fielded numerous enquiries for the Rotterdam clubs star man.
There was transfer interest from United in the energetic midfielder who progressed through Feyenoords youth system and accumulated 175 appearances for the club. He played a huge role in the clubs success this campaign, netting 12 goals despite often playing from a deep position.
He had emerged as a player of interest to United, although this was never formalised. United boss Erik ten Hag was familiar with Kokcu as an opponent in the Eredivisie when he was Ajax boss, and admired his aggressive style of play that takes him box-to-box.
United are considering the addition of at least one midfielder this summer as they look likely to sell either Fred or Scott McTominay, with question marks over the future of exiting loanee Marcel Sabitzer and the fitness levels of Christian Eriksen, who impressed in his debut campaign but struggles to last 90 minutes.
