Erik ten Hag had quite a bit of work on his hands when he took over as boss of Manchester United. From strengthening the team to improving the players, the Dutchman has so far proven quite adept at his new role.
The Red Devils appear to be on the right track as they find themselves just three points off third place with one game in hand, while also qualifying for the next stage in the Europa League.
However, the job is far from complete, as Ten Hag still has quite a few troublesome positions to fill as he looks to mold the team in his own image.
Search for goalkeepers
Much has been written about the lack of a substitute at right back and the need to add a proven goalscorer, but the goalkeeper’s position also needs to be improved.
The former Ajax manager has backed David de Gea time and time again to adapt to his methods, which consist of acting as a goalkeeper when necessary while also showing that he is an expert with the ball at his feet.
#KazofmSportsAugsburg goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz has revealed that both Manchester United and Newcastle United were interested in his services during the summer transfer window. pic.twitter.com/TvwzcZJuTP
– 97.8 Kazo FM Omushomesa (@978KazoFM) November 4, 2022
As well as the howler from Brighton, the Spaniard appears to be on the right track and has also been very good under the sticks in the last two games, making some amazing saves.
However, United have yet to activate the one-year extension clause with his contract due to expire next summer. Many alternatives have been proposed, including Jan Oblak and Diogo Costa, as possible alternatives.
There are also questions about the long-term future of Dean Henderson, currently on loan at Nottingham Forestm, especially after his explosive interview earlier in the season.
Reports have already indicated that Martin Dubravka is set to return to his parent club Newcastle United after the conclusion of his loan spell and that means a new goalkeeper is of the utmost importance.
The latest revelation comes from Canal+Sport via Sport Witness, who claim that the Red Devils were on course to sign Augsburg goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz in the summer in place of Dubravka.
It was almost like the domino effect, as both United and Newcastle had their eyes on the 35-year-old, who revealed a move to the Premier League did not materialize despite signing papers with both clubs ahead of a possible transfer.
Gikiewicz came close to sealing the OT move
“Not only was I linked, but I also signed various powers of attorney with Manchester United or Newcastle United,” Gikiewicz said.
“In the goalkeeper market, everything works like dominoes. When Martin Dubravka leaves, this is the place and so on.
“They called me from England and asked if I wanted to take a chance. At the same time, they added that something could happen in the last hours of the transfer window and if I wanted to take a risk.
“I was sitting at home, so what is the risk? I signed everything and waited for the development of events.”
According to the Polish goalkeeper, if the Reds hadn’t come to an agreement with the Slovakian, it could have been him sitting at Old Trafford. And because Eddie Howe’s team lost the Dubravka, Gikiewicz was considered a potential replacement.
What happened instead was Karl Darlow retained his place as Newcastle’s second choice behind Nick Pope, while former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius arrived on a short-term deal after Pope’s injury.
United Matchday Magazine – Stay on top of all things red! Take a seat for the Aston Villa game and join the debate on United’s hottest topics!
Get all the match preparation, articles, news, riddles, nostalgia and humor. Online soccer content like you’ve never seen it before. No ads, no clickbait, no fake news – just 100% pure United. secure online ordering Click Preview to see more or buy for just £1.25 / $1.50
