Ruud van Nistelrooy has told Manchester United why they need to sign Cody Gakpo

Get the latest on new manager Erik ten Hag, transfers and United team news delivered straight to your inbox every day for free

Recruitment was always going to be the buzzword for Manchester United when Erik ten Hag was appointed and the manager can render that a job well done. Many signings have hit the ground running and United are – on early viewing – building strong foundations for a brighter future.

It has been quite some time since they worked with such conviction in the transfer market and Ten Hag has to be lauded for his efforts. He was effectively given the keys by those upstairs from day one and Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen have proven that to be the right decision.

Casemiro and Antony should make their mark sooner rather than later – while Martin Dubravka can be called upon as and when needed. If this were a school exam, Ten Hag would be pushing for top marks and yet he is already swotting for the next test.

READ MORE: Update on Old Trafford redevelopment

January is a notoriously difficult month in which to strike up business and, as a result, incomings may well be based on players leaving Old Trafford first. With that in mind, the next blocks laid down by Ten Hag will come next summer and he will not have to look too far to jot down his wish list.

An upgrade in central midfield (don’t mention Frenkie de Jong) will take priority for the United manager along with attacking reinforcements – perhaps more than one on the proviso Cristiano Ronaldo departs. Countless names have already and will continue to be put through the rumour mill.

However, further research is not needed when it comes to Cody Gakpo. Heavily linked with a move throughout the summer, Gakpo stayed put with PSV Eindhoven and continues to make waves in the Eredivisie – but that is not the only reason why the left-sided, highly-rated Netherlands forward looks every bit a United player.

“There have been rumours about him since the beginning of the season almost eight weeks ago and we have not seen Cody changing his behaviour up to now. There were rumours over the whole period and I admire that a lot in him, he’s working on his development on a daily basis, playing in games and reaching his levels.

“He’s not distracted, he’s focused on games he has to play and focused on his next game. For a young guy like him, it’s special to see that attitude.”

Glowing praise indeed from a man familiar to United supporters and more specifically the direct pathway from PSV to Old Trafford. Ruud van Nistelrooy knows what PSV have and, while speaking in his role as manager there, has also dangled the carrot for what United could get their hands on.

(Image: Soccrates/Getty Images)

After netting eight goals in seven Eredivisie games this season, not to mention six assists, Gakpo has not only been able to draw a line under intense speculation, but he has ultimately taken his game to the next level. He showcased that even further when scoring for the Netherlands against Poland on Thursday night.

Gakpo has the talent, no doubt. However, what is more appealing to United – especially given some question marks that were thrown at their players last season – is that he also has the right mindset and work ethic.

In similar situations, countless players before the PSV starlet have had their heads turned by such mounting transfer speculation and their performances have suffered as a result. However, that has not been the case here and, beyond that, his exemplary attitude would help United continue to improve in an area which needed much work.

After watching United slip into disarray from afar last season, Ten Hag clearly noted the need for a better and more collective mentality. His signings to date fit into that bracket and even the ones who got away are, seemingly, being earmarked for what they could – and still might – offer in that regard.

MORE TO READ: