Erik Ten Hag’s persuasive power finally forced the Manchester United board to part with more than £220m in this summer’s transfer window as phase one of the Dutchman’s rebuild got under way.
Although his main wish in the form of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong was not granted, Ten Hag was allowed to bring in players he trusts like Lisandro Martinez, Antony, who knew Ten Hag’s methods well.
Christian Eriksen also trained with Ten Hag’s Ajax while Tyrell Malacia arrived from the Eredivisie, which the Dutch coach knows well. Casemiro’s resume speaks for itself and the business done looks good on paper.
The fees United ended up paying meant they exceeded their transfer budget by a huge margin and if they had exercised due diligence this would not have been the case.
The club has no excuse not to follow Ten Hag’s transfer plan next summer. The hope is that Ten Hag’s methods bear fruit this season and he’ll no doubt be assigning names to suit his needs as we speak.
With the club expected to bypass the notoriously difficult winter window, any significant income will be lined up for the summer of 2023. Here, we look at the areas and players Ten Hag should focus their attention on.
Goalkeeper – Big questions hang over David de Gea’s ability to carry out the tasks that Ten Hag expects from his goalkeeper.
Coupled with his excellent contract expiring next summer, United should ideally be fielding a suitable replacement. The club has the option to extend the Spaniard’s contract for one year, taking it until 2024.
Dean Henderson is still on the books at United and his attributes align more with Ten Hag than De Gea.
However, after his very public outburst against his parent club, it remains to be seen if the bridges burn beyond repair. If a resolution is found, Henderson could end up saving the club a significant amount of money.
If United were to look elsewhere, they could do worse than looking at Wolves’ Jose Sa. The Portuguese goalkeeper enjoyed a great debut season in the Premier League and, at 29, he is entering his best years as a goalkeeper.
Right-back: Failure to move Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the summer will not prevent the club from finding an outlet for him in the coming months. Diogo Dalot is currently working fine, but an update or cover will be required next summer.
Inside options will include up-and-coming Ethan Laird, currently on loan at QPR. He is highly regarded at the club and could cover for Dalot when needed.
If United were to spend, rumors that Achraf Hakimi could be looking to leave PSG would surely generate concrete interest, if true. The Moroccan right-back is listed as one of the best in the world and would fit in with Ten Hag’s philosophy.
Midfield – Having hounded Frenkie de Jong all summer, Casimero ended up at Old Trafford. The Brazilian has five Champions League winners’ medals and a wealth of experience, but his age means he’s not the best long-term option.
Casimero’s signing means United will have three midfielders over the age of 30 in the engine room next summer.
De Jong would likely remain top of Ten Hag’s list. Otherwise, Jude Bellingham is expected to leave Dortmund next year and his age, temperament and ability would represent a no-brainer in terms of a signing.
Centre-Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo’s ongoing saga is sure to end next summer, culminating in the club legend leaving Old Trafford for the second time. Whether he features in Ten Hag’s first team or not this year, he will leave a hole at United in need of a centre-forward.
Joao Félix from Atlético de Madrid would be the signing of Hollywood but it would cost a bomb and arrives without guarantees.
Closer to home, Ivan Toney is getting rave reviews for his performances at Brentford and would provide a cheaper option.
Expenses will also be key to complement the summer spree. Aaron Wan Bissaka and Harry Maguire could contribute a fee. Like David de Gea, if the club decides to sell. Getting rid of Cristiano Ronaldo will also reduce the salary bill, along with the aforementioned high income.
Qualifying for next season’s Champions League will also affect the portfolio. Ten Hag will be desperate to continue building a team in his image and will devote all of his efforts to ensuring that United compete in Europe’s top competition next season.
