Manchester United will hand Erik ten Hag the impossible transfer task if they fail to put an end to the David Beckham disaster this summer.
Manchester United will hand Erik ten Hag an impossible move if they don't break away from the tradition of unwanted transfer windows this summer. The Dutchman may have to choose between a top keeper and a striker if United find it difficult to shake off the defence, which has become the norm for the past two decades.
Since selling David Beckham to Real Madrid for £25m in 2003 - 20 years ago - United have recouped only three higher transfer fees.
The Red Devils pocketed a world record £80m for Cristiano Ronaldo's dream transfer to the Bernabeu in 2009. Six years later, Louis van Gaal ended Angel di Maria's nightmare at Old Trafford after just one season, agreeing to move to PSG for £44m.
And in 2019, Romelu Lukaku also abruptly terminated his contract at the club after two years to join Inter Milan for £70 million. United lost in the bottom two teams.
This ultimately led to an escalation in Financial Fair Play concerns, which appears to have finally led to Ten Hag's budget constraints this summer.
Romelu Lukaku (£70 million) is a record sale of Man Utd. Romelu Lukaku (£70 million) is a record sale of Man Utd. (Image:
Getty)
While the Glazers are expected to retain control of most, if not all, of the transfer deadline due to the lengthy approval process for any new owners, Ten Hag is said to be is working on £120m to fund the next phase of his project.
However, he wants a world-class goalscorer to share the workload with Marcus Rashford and a new No 1 to replace David de Gea.
United are also eyeing a £50m deal for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, who has thrown the wrench into the job.
According to the Mail, Ten Hag will have to choose between a goalkeeper and a striker if he wants to sign a midfielder. Man Utd need a new No. 1 this summer.
Man Utd need a new No. 1 this summer. (Image:
Getty)
Of course, selling the player would help stretch his spending limit, but United's poor late-season record leaves little room for optimism.
Ten Hag has plenty of stars in the suburbs that he can take advantage of. Dean Henderson, Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial, to name a few. But until then, he will likely have to wait to strengthen his squad enough before his second season at the helm.
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