In Europe, few clubs have a better reputation for developing players than Ajax. However, despite the fact that Manchester United famously shown differently, it is uncommon for teams to reach the summit without having the appropriate combination of youth and experience.

The values of the Amsterdam ArenA are unambiguous, and the club's supply chain of young talent that comes via its academy has never been short of fresh faces. The three stars of the side that helped them come within seconds of the Champions League final in 2019 were Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek, and Frenkie de Jong, all homegrown talents who enhanced their reputation and won moves to other clubs.

Erik ten Hag is an interesting managerial prospect for Manchester United because of his belief in the potential of young players and his philosophy of playing exciting, attacking football. The 52-year-old impressed during an interview for the managing role earlier this week.

In addition to working with Pep Guardiola in Munich for two years, ten Hag was in charge of Bayern's B squad at that time, and many of his ideas stem from that experience. When they're at their best, this current Ajax team is one of Europe's most creative, and their Champions League departure to Benfica last week was a disappointment for neutrals who love entertainment.

However, Ten Hag's success in Amsterdam has mostly been due to his mastery of alchemy, which has contributed to much of his fortune. While the Dutchman has settled into a framework at Ajax that sees him as the club's head coach, the former midfielder has also welcomed a transfer plan that has pinpointed what the club has been lacking.

Ed Woodward trumpeted a "culture reset" under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but this is a different approach from what United set out to do with the Norwegian coach. While Manchester United sought players in their mid-20s or younger, Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag has placed a high importance on bringing in experienced players to complement the young talent currently at his disposal.

Instead of raising eyebrows at Old Trafford, Ten Hag's transfer market track record should be viewed as a compliment to his ability to put together winning sides. He is not adamant about signing older players, but he has identified them as the type of players that Ajax require in order to progress to the next level.

Ed Woodward trumpeted a "culture reset" under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but this is a different approach from what United set out to do with the Norwegian coach. While Manchester United sought players in their mid-20s or younger, Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag has placed a high importance on bringing in experienced players to complement the young talent currently at his disposal.

Instead of raising eyebrows at Old Trafford, Ten Hag's transfer market track record should be viewed as a compliment to his ability to put together winning sides. He is not adamant about signing older players, but he has identified them as the type of players that Ajax require in order to progress to the next level.

When Steven Berghuis joined the club last summer, he did so from fierce rivals Feyenoord, where he had made quite an impression at the time of his arrival.

Jurrien Timber (20), Noussair Mazraoui (24), Lisandro Martinez (24), Edson Alvarez (24), Ryan Gravenberch (19), and Antony were all in the starting lineup for the 3-2 triumph over Feyenoord at the weekend (22). Sebastian Haller, another West Ham player who cost a lot of money, is the only player in that starting XI who is between the ages of 24 and 30.

Ajax has found a good mix, and as a result, the younger players have grown in confidence and seen their worth rise as a result of it. Ten Hag certainly understands how to put together a winning club.

Getting the job at Old Trafford will depend on his ability to demonstrate those abilities during an interview. United have a wealth of experience in Cristiano Ronaldo, players at the pinnacle of their careers in Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane, and young talents in Jadon Sancho, but the team's balance has been off this season.

Ten Hag has demonstrated his ability to assemble an effective team in Amsterdam. The ability to communicate effectively will be critical in Manchester.