Man Utd ‘blocked Ten Hag’s approach to Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech despite changing transfer strategy to back boss’

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly been prevented from signing Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech during the transfer window.

The Red Devils had been heavily linked with a swoop for the Morocco international last month.

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Chelsea were understood to be willing to sell him for just £8million but no offer came in before the deadline.

And according to the Manchester Evening News, that was because United bosses actually blocked Ten Hag from making a bid despite claims they would give him their full backing.

Still, the Red Devils had another expensive summer after introducing five new signings.

Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen became the window’s first signings, arriving from Feyenoord and Brentford respectively.

United started injecting the cash when they signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax for £55m.

Casemiro followed with a shock £70m transfer from Real Madrid last month.

And Antony became the summer’s most expensive signing when he made the blockbuster £85.5million move from Ajax on deadline day.

The Red Devils also signed Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a season-long deal with a £5million purchase option.

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However, they missed top target Frenkie de Jong, who decided to stay at Barcelona.

The midfielder was due to leave before the deadline but decided to stay despite the club threatening to cut his salary.