Teddy Sheringham feels Manchester United require 'five or six' new recruits this summer, but has urged Erik ten Hag against acquiring Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Ten Hag decided to leave Ajax after a successful spell there and join United on a three-year deal. United finished sixth in the Premier League last season.
Given United's recent troubles, Ten Hag expects to spend roughly £100 million on new players this summer, with a new forward, midfielder, and two defenders set to join at Old Trafford.
De Jong, a former Ajax player, has been named as a key target by the Dutchman, with United now in talks with Barcelona about a deal for the Netherlands international.
Since his £65 million move from Ajax in 2019, De Jong has established himself as one of Barcelona's most important players, but Sheringham is concerned that the Premier League's 'speed and quality' will be a'shock' to the 25-year-old.
'Manchester United is in the midst of a big recruitment drive. Erik ten Hag needs to bring in players with the proper character and an understanding of the Premier League's issues,' Sheringham told Lord Ping.
'How is he going to track down these players?' I'm hearing about Frenkie de Jong's whereabouts. He hasn't played in the Premier League and has been with Barcelona, who are predicted to beat almost every other side in the world.
'Throughout the season, many of Barca's domestic opponents roll over for them.' In the Premier League, it doesn't happen; every game is a struggle.' For Ten Hag and a player like de Jong, the league's pace and talent could be a shock to the system. Next season, United could experience another season of complete anarchy.'
With Manchester United having failed to win a trophy since 2017 and trailing the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, Sheringham believes it is critical that Ten Hag is bolstered with new additions this summer.
'United need reinforcements across the pitch,' claimed the former England striker, who won three Premier League crowns and the Champions League at Old Trafford. Particularly in the midfield,
'We're looking at bringing in five or six top players.' You need players that have the appropriate personality, understand the magnitude of the assignment, and are ready to get United back to where they belong.
'It's a huge undertaking.' From a player's perspective, if you had to choose between City and United right now, you'd select City every time.
You want to play with the finest players as a player. The number of top players who would want to play with De Bruyne or any of City's other world-class players is enormous. They are champions, and they will compete for every trophy next season.
That isn't what you see when you look at Manchester United. At the moment, there isn't anyone performing. It's a rather depressing thought.
'Everything may change very rapidly if Ten Hag goes in there and turns things around.'
On August 7, Ten Hag's first Premier League game as Manchester United manager will be against Brighton.
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