Ten Hag failed to convince £21m Gravenberch to join Man United instead of Bayern

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag failed to sign Ryan Gravenberch after trying to lure him away from Bayern Munich this summer.

The Dutch midfielder confirmed his switch to the Bundesliga giants after landing in the Bavarian city on Saturday morning to complete his £21million move.

Gravenberch had also spoken to Manchester United and his former Ajax boss about a potential deal, but said he turned the opportunity down as he had 'given Bayern his word'.

Gravenberch described United as a 'very nice club' but said he had a 'good feeling' about Bayern Munich so subsequently signed for them instead.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Gravenberch said: 'Manchester United is a very big and nice club. But I already had such a good feeling at Bayern and I had them given my word'.

Gravenberch also shared his excitement about joining the German outfit alongside his former Ajax team-mate Noussair Mazraoui.

The German giants signed Mazraoui on a free transfer - keeping him at the club until at least 2026 - after watching him excel during his 137 competitive appearances for the Dutch champions.

Gravenberch said: 'I like the fact that Nous [Noussair Mazraoui] is going there [Bayern Munich] too. It's always nice when you already know someone.'

Gravenberch also said he has the full support of his parents and explained how they are going to fly to Germany to take care of 'all kinds of things' so he can 'fully focus on football'.

The 20-year-old said:  'My mother will come to live with me in Munich. And my father will be here a lot to take care of all kinds of things, so that I can fully focus on football.'

He went on to add: 'I hope to find a house in the coming weeks. Otherwise, I will spend the first few weeks in a hotel'.

Ten Hag will be disappointed to have missed out on signing Gravenberch. The Red Devils have been long-term admires of the midfielder and had hoped to add him to their ranks this summer.

Standing at 6'2' the Dutchman is physically robust, has excellent feet and has the ability to get out of tight spaces.

He has also worked with Ten Hag before - having become the youngest Ajax debutant during the Dutch manager's tenure at the club.

Gravenberch would also be the linchpin in United's midfield - filling the void left by outgoing Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.