Manchester United have swooped for Ajax kid Millen Baars, here is the lowdown on the talented 16-year-old
Fall out with coaches in Holland saw the revamped scouting network at Old Trafford spring into action
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MANCHESTER UNITED revamped their scouting network over the summer and their swoop for Ajax starlet Millen Baars bears the hallmarks of the changes at Carrington.
Derek Langley was replaced as head of recruitment by Dutchman Marcel Bout, who had been brought in as an opposition scout by ex-boss Louis van Gaal.
Bout is the only member of LVG's backroom staff kept on by new boss Jose Mourinho and has overseen the employment of 50 new scouts worldwide.
Former Groningen goalkeeper Roy Beukenkamp was brought in as United's scout in Holland and he is understood to have recommended the move for Baars after the 16-year-old fell out with Ajax.
He clashed with his coaches at the Ajax Academy, who wanted to make an example of the youngster allowing United to step in a take him under the wing of kids supremo Nicky Butt.
Who are ya?
The latest Dutch kid to cross the North Sea for Old Trafford only turned 16 in May and will not be able to start playing for United until the new year.
Baars was born on May 30, 2000 in Beverwijk, a small town in the north of Holland with a population of around 40,00o people.
Despite his young age he is already six foot but has a reputation for not being the best behaved in school and has fallen foul of Ajax's strict rules on behaviour.
Style of play
Long striding winger, has a devastating turn of pace that sees him flash past defenders with all the grace of Thierry Henry in his pomp.
He is primarily right footed but likes to play on the left side so he can cut inside and unleash a lethal shot.
But he is equally as comfortable taking the ball on his left. Has an eye for goals, crosses well from both wings and can pick a pass.
Happy to come deep and pick up the ball in central positions.
What's the deal
Baars was set to start the season as skipper of Ajax Under-17 but fell out with his coaches and has not played a game this season.
He recently signed up with the Stellar Group, who look after Timothy Fosu-Mensah who left Ajax for United in September 2014.
Room to improve
There will definitely be concerns about how Baars will cope with the physical aspect of playing in England. The six footer struggled with injuries last season and still needs to grow into his tall frame a bulk out a bit if he is going to be able to deal with the contact knocks wingers typically have.
United will also be keen to get him playing again after his lack of activity since last summer.
Verdict
Baars' physique and attitude look to be the key elements to his development. Ajax youth team spies noted that he struggled a lot with injuries last season but they may just be