Man United: Why Erik ten Hag is interested in USA international Taylor Booth

Taylor Booth is the latest in a line of Americans who used the Bundesliga as his right of passage, and the midfielder who now plays his football in the Netherlands, is catching the interest of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

Following in the footsteps of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, Booth made the move to Germany, joining Bayern Munich from Real Salt Lake's youth academy in January 2019.

Despite learning from the likes of Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann and training alongside Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller, he was always going to find it tough to navigate his way into the first-team.

So despite Bayern's many attempts to persuade the 22-year-old to sign a new deal, he left the German giants far from pleased when he turned down their advances to sign a pre-contract with FC Utrecht.

Ten Hag, a former manager of Utrecht, never coached the young American, but still has close ties to the club and is understood to be a keen admirer of his talents. With that in mind, Mail Sport take a look at Booth and what he could offer the Red Devils if he joins this summer.

Who is he?

Football runs in the family with his mother Kelli and dad Chad - an Arsenal supporter - both college footballers in their youth.

As a baby, Booth had torticollis or 'flopping neck' - which needed intensive physical therapy to ensure he could breathe and grow properly.

Booth spent many of his formative years with La Roca, a Utah club run by Adolfo Ovalle. He then joined Real Salt Lake's academy where he was spotted by Bundesliga scouts.

Booth was invited for trials at Bayern at the age of 17 and impressed enough to make the switch to the German giants.

He made his one and only senior appearance as a substitute in Bayern Munich's 12-0 German Cup rout of Bremer in August 2021.

Former Bayern boss Nagelsmann was a fan of the midfielder, who was also utilised by the club in wide positions, with his versatility attracting interest from the likes of Tottenham in the past.

As previously mentioned, he found chances to be limited and so signed a pre-contract with FC Utrecht, where he has made huge strides in his career.

He made 28 appearances across all competitions last season and was named the Eredivisie's player of the month for November. His performances led to him receiving his first senior cap for the United States in a clash against Grenada in March.

His debut would have been a relief for the USA, as Booth also had the opportunity to play for Italy - courtesy of his father's heritage.  He previously admitted that he would have 'something to think about' if Italy had offered him an international call-up before the USA.

Booth's younger brother Zach, signed a professional contract with Leicester City in February 2022.

Taylor might join his 19-year-old sibling in England if United's interest turns into an official bid, though there is interest across Europe for the older Booth brother.

What is his playing style like?

Booth's playing style is similar to that of Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong - a name which was on the minds of all United fans during the summer of 2022 due to the Red Devils' long-term chase - and ultimate failure - to capture the Netherlands international.

Despite working with Ten Hag at Ajax, De Jong was never fully convinced over a move to Old Trafford following an underwhelming season prior, which ended with Ralf Rangnick in interim charge.

Booth has a similar stature to that of De Jong, but could save United millions if they went in for the American instead of renewing interest in the Dutchman.

English scouts have noted the 22-year-old's impressive technique and his energetic attacking midfield performances.

He also has a keen eye for creating goals - providing four assists and scoring two goals last season.

After joining Bayern Munich, Booth said that he can play anywhere across midfield.

He told Goal: 'I prefer (playing as the) No 8 or 10 cause I like more of an attacking role. 8 I prefer for just a free roaming role, I can always get on the ball.

'I love to have the ball at my feet. I love being involved in the game, getting my team-mates involved in the game and I love to be able to dictate the tempo of the game.'

His attributes and the way he talks about how he likes to play would make you think he could be a cheaper, alternative solution to Mason Mount.

United have left their £55m offer on the table for the Chelsea man, with the Blues hoping to get £65m for the England international, who is out of contract next summer.

Booth's mixture of pace, power and technique could make him a suitable addition for a top Premier League side, but also in more technical leagues such as LaLiga and Serie A.

Who else is interested?

Celta Vigo, Stuttgart and Lyon are extremely interested with offers thought to be pending.

The Spanish side in particular could be strong contenders, especially given that their midfielder Gabri Veiga, could attract a big sum this summer, with Liverpool and Chelsea among the interested parties.

Given United's stature in the game, plus the fact they will be playing in the Champions League next season, you would expect Ten Hag's side to have a big advantage in the race for Booth if their interest turns into something serious.

Tottenham have also had interest in the past, with Booth setting up two Bayern Munich goals to knock Spurs out of the UEFA Youth League when Jose Mourinho was in charge.

However they have shown no interest recently, with their main target this summer being that of Leicester City star James Maddison.

What has been said?

Booth has attracted a large amount of praise for his performances at FC Utrecht last season.

The youngster produced an outstanding display as his side came from behind to draw 5-5 against AZ Alkmaar.

It prompted former Holland star Ronald de Boer to tweet: 'Taylor Booth on a roll. I'm enjoying this player.'

His rise to the top though has been tough, which can be summed up by comments made by his mother, Kelli, who talked about his physical therapy as a child, due to torticollis.

Booth needed therapy 'around the clock' for the first five months of his life and did not like getting his neck stretched.

'I remember saying, ''I hope he's healthy,"' Kelli told Deseret News. 'So he's gone from needing physical therapy as a baby to being on the US National Teams and he thinks it's normal.

'What he doesn't realise is that there was a time when I just thought, I hope his lungs work and his brain works.'

His determination to succeed in football was obvious from a very early age.

Adolfo Ovalle, who trained Booth at La Roca, said, as per Goal: 'His development started to go so fast, so incredibly good. I mean this kid is at another level.

'Not only the vision, not only the first touch but Taylor can take people on, Taylor can shoot left and right without a problem and he’s not afraid of making a mistake in the attack. He'll take chances, and that’s what makes him so special in my opinion.'

Should United make a move?

The Utah native, who reports have suggested could be available for as little as £10m, would certainly be cheaper than the likes of Mount and Brighton's Moises Caicedo, who has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

It would also represent a bigger gamble, given that he is still an unknown in English football, and Antony while impressing at stages this season, has shown that it is not a simple transition from Dutch to Premier League football.

If United make a move, supporters would ideally like it to coincide with the signing of another more well-known and established midfielder - to give them hope of ending their Premier League drought this season.

He still has plenty of room to grow, but under Ten Hag, he could go on to flourish at Old Trafford.