Erik Ten Hag has defended his recruitment strategy at Manchester United, emphasizing that the signings of Dutch players, including Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, are not due to favoritism but rather collective club decisions involving scouting and recruitment. Eleven of his 20 signings since taking charge have ties to Dutch football, including notable players like Andre Onana and Antony. Ten Hag stated that the decision-making process is collaborative and includes input from various club officials. De Ligt, a long-term target, arrived from Bayern Munich in a deal that could rise to £42.7 million, and Ten Hag expressed confidence in his potential and character. As the Premier League opener against Fulham approaches, both new signings are expected to play crucial roles in the squad.