Erik ten Hag will have a busy summer transfer window to rebuild Man United's roster.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag will manage his first competitive game for Manchester United in just over three months, which feels like an eternity to complete the task at hand.
United's team is in shambles and in serious need of a rebuilding this summer. Given the club's recent market shortcomings, it's tough to envision Ralf Rangnick's recommended ten recruits being made, but at least half of that number will be required if Ten Hag is to have an immediate effect at the club.
Despite the fact that United's present team is bloated and in need of downsizing, the exodus they face at the end of the season is too far in the opposite direction. At the very least, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, and Lee Grant will go when their contracts expire.
However, they are unlikely to be the only ones to leave. Cristiano Ronaldo's, Anthony Martial's, Donny van de Beek's, Dean Henderson's, Eric Bailly's, Phil Jones', and Marcus Rashford's futures are all in danger, and Ten Hag may have even more names in mind.
Though the return of Van van Beek, James Garner, and others from loan periods may balance the losses if Ten Hag wants them in his plans, with well over 10 exits, quality and quantity in their signings is a genuine possibility.
A new midfielder or two is the priority, but United may also need a centre-back, winger, striker, and right-back to provide Ten Hag with a balanced squad with the technical skills he requires.
Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips.
For years, United has yearned for a defensive midfielder who is tactically disciplined enough to defend their defense while still possessing the composure on the ball to start attacks, and after numerous transfer windows of disregarding the need, it has now been recognized as a necessity. Due to the lack of Champions League play, Declan Rice will almost probably be out of United's reach, but Kalvin Phillips should be accessible.
The Leeds United midfielder has excelled in a deep-lying role in Yorkshire and for England, and he could be available on the cheap if his team is demoted. Though his injury history this season might be a concern, Phillips would be an excellent addition.
If United could also add Frenkie de Jong, their midfield would become a thousand times more vibrant and skilled. According to MEN Sport, the club is considering a £75 million bid for the Dutchman, who had a lot of success with Ajax's Ten Hag.
Though Xavi wants to keep him at Camp Nou, he may not be able to do so because De Jong is one of the club's few throwaway assets that could fetch a high price in order to fund their own company. Other large clubs, like as Manchester City, are likely to be interested if De Jong is available, but working with Ten Hag again should be too appealing a proposition.
If not playing in the Champions League proves too expensive, United should consider signing Christian Eriksen. After a spectacular comeback at Brentford, the playmaker could be available on a free transfer this summer, proving that he is still a world-class player despite suffering a heart attack on the pitch last summer.
United should be interested in Eriksen regardless of who else they sign because they are losing three creative midfielders in Pogba, Lingard, and Mata. It's unusual to see a player of this caliber available for free.
In recent weeks, Christian Eriksen has been outstanding for Brentford.
In a perfect transfer window, Ten Hag would persuade Cristiano Ronaldo to extend his contract despite the humiliation of Thursday night football. If he succeeds, the Portuguese will almost certainly continue to lead the line in most starting XIs, but a young protégé may be signed to play under him for a year.
After showing sparks this season, Jadon Sancho will hopefully reach his full potential under Ten Hag, but considering Marcus Rashford's drop in form, another forward will be required to complete the offensive trifecta. Antony, the exciting Brazilian winger who scored 12 goals and added 10 assists for Ajax under the new manager last season, is still only 22 years old.
According to reports, he might be available for for £30 million, making him a perfect attacking reinforcement on the cheap.
Especially when some funds will be required for defense. Even if Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane have struggled this season, they both have the ability to be the starting pair next season, but they will need competition.
Ten Hag is being connected with a potential return to his former club in the form of Jurrien Timber.The 20-year-old is primarily a centre-back, but he can also play right or left back and has good distributing skills. All of this might lead to him becoming a regular in the side if Maguire or Varane continue to struggle.
Finally, a new right-back must be signed if there is still room in the budget. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a complete disaster, and Diogo Dalot has just been a notch above him. Fullback is an important position in Ten-style, Hag's and one who can run the line and provide quality deliveries is essential.
Ten Hag's possible starting lineup for his first game
There are numerous intriguing choices, such Denzel Dumfries and Tariq Lamptey, but Djed Spence is the most exciting right now. The 21-year-old has had an incredible season with Nottingham Forest and might play a crucial role in their play-off final on Sunday.
Despite the fact that Spence is on loan from Middlesbrough, his performances this season have won him considerable praise. A £15 million price tag has been suggested, which may be a bargain for a player of such promise.
For United to secure all of their ambitions this summer, a lot would have to go right, but if they do, Ten Hag's first starting XI could be quite interesting.
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