Erik ten Hag can see the solution to a troubling Manchester United problem right in front of him.
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has already failed to get his top attacking transfer target this summer, and he is also likely to fail to acquire his backup plan. The potential solution to Ten Hag's problems is right in front of him, so it's possible that his plan to strengthen his front line can still work.
In his first transfer window as United manager, the Dutchman sought to capture Benfica striker Darwin Nunez as a co-headline signing with Frenkie de Jong. Although there was interest, Liverpool quickly signed the 22-year-old to an £85 million deal, beating out the competition.
Ten Hag's focus shifted to getting back together with Antony, the right-winger for Ajax who is reportedly eager to join him at Old Trafford. The Dutch Eredivisie champions' asking price is just one of two key obstacles that United faced in their attempt to capture him for about £40 million.
After previously losing important first-team players Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, Ryan Gravenberch, and Sebastien Haller, Ajax values Antony at £70 million. The club would be even less eager to split ways with Antony if Lisandro Martinez left, since they are anticipated to agree to a £43 million transfer to the Premier League and the Red Devils are competing with Arsenal for his services.
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Man Utd, is unlikely to work with Antony again this summer. (Photo)
Nunez and Antony being off the table, United may still pull off one of the summer's biggest upsets by going after Ousmane Dembele. The 25-year-contract old's with Barcelona expired on Thursday night, and there are no indications that a new agreement that meets his terms is imminent. He is now a free agent.
This summer, Thomas Tuchel has been extensively linked with a move for Dembele to Chelsea as he seeks to reconcile with the former Borussia Dortmund star and overhaul his front three. But many United supporters would be happy if they made an effort to grab him from their Premier League rivals.
Ousmane Dembele left Barcelona and is now a free agent. (Photo)
After Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard, and Juan Mata left United as free agents, Ten Hag needs offensive reinforcements. The need for a new outlet has only grown as a result of the extended suspension of Mason Greenwood, Cristiano Ronaldo's age, and the uncertainty surrounding Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial's availability this season.
And without a signing-on fee, Dembele represents exceptional value given that United is spending a large portion of their resources on strengthening Ten Hag's midfield and defense. It would be cost-effective and finally answer the long-standing need for a left-footed winger to attempt to emulate their chase of Christian Eriksen, who has an offer on the table to join on a free transfer.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0