Manchester United eyes Nijstad, decision in the hands of Erik ten Hag

On a cold morning at Old Trafford, the Manchester United board's eyes turn to Twente's centre, where young centre‑back Ruud Nijstad trains under the watch of Erik ten Hag, now coach of the Dutch club and former manager of the Red Devils.

Nijstad already attracts interest from giants

Team Talk reported that Barcelona is also watching Nijstad's talent, creating heavy competition for the Old Trafford group. The link to the Catalan club has already been mentioned in several analyses, although there is still no concrete offer.

Erik ten Hag, who managed Manchester United between 2022 and 2024, now holds the role of technical director at Twente. His position could decisively influence Nijstad's choice, as the coach knows the Red Devils' style and demands well.

This season, Ruud Nijstad featured in fifteen matches, scoring one goal. Transfermarkt values his market price at eighteen million euros.

The player's contract with Twente remains valid until 2029, giving him medium‑term stability. Manchester United continues to monitor the situation, seeking to secure a promising future for the defence.

Recently, Erik ten Hag publicly commented on Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting the importance of experience in the dressing room. The interview was cited by the Bayer 04 source, which also emphasized the link between the two clubs.