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What do they want?
For all the positivity of appointing a new manager, him getting his own staff and the start of a clearout of players and non-playing staff, none of it will mean much if Manchester United do not address the chronic issues within the squad and in doing so destroy the pitiful morale that members of the squad spoke of towards the end of last season.
Ralf Rangnick playing no part in the future is a good thing – better to end a mistake than double down on it – but there is no magic wand that can be waved. It takes time, logic, effort and money.
That work must start with the purchase of a defensive midfielder because the combination of Scott McTominay and Fred is not going to turn Manchester United into title challengers. The pursuit of Frenkie de Jong makes sense if he is keen on the move, but that appears to be in some doubt. United have done this before, chasing a player deep into the summer and failing to spread the focus to other priorities.
United will also target a new striker, either to play alongside or in rotation with Cristiano Ronaldo. An approach for Darwin Nunez had been mooted, but Liverpool got that done quickly and if you were to ask any sensible superstar which club he’d prefer to join there would be no contest. Again United are paying for their past incompetence.
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Right-back is another priority, if we are to assume that Aaron Wan-Bissaka is no longer considered fit for purpose three years after being signed for £45m. Ten Hag must decide whether he wants a defensive-minded full-back or one capable of overlapping and creating chances. Wan-Bissaka has never pretended to be the latter.
And then there are the myriad problems at centre-back. United clearly have options who have performed excellently either at previous clubs, previously at Manchester United or for their national teams. They also have five players for two positions: Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly. Ten Hag may back himself to improve the organisation – aided by a defensive midfielder – but supporters would clearly be happier with another central defender and at least two of those five leaving.
Who might leave?
In an ideal world, United would complete an overhaul of the squad over a single summer, clearing out the obvious deadwood and reinvesting any proceeds plus a huge transfer budget. But that is not feasible. Each of United’s previous managers have spoken of the need for a two or three-year plan, but that continually gets undermined by gross underperformance. This requires patience, but the wastage erodes any leeway.
That clearout has partly been accelerated by expiring contracts, with Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata all leaving. None of those exits should cause dismay other than the failure of United to sell them at a point before they leave for free. But they did play 81 league games between them last season and thus their departures reduce the depth of the squad considerably.
That may impact upon the sale of other squad players, particularly if replacements aren’t confirmed quickly. United only have six midfielders or attackers aged over 21 in their first-team squad that were at the club at the end of last season: Bruno, McTominay, Ronaldo, Fred, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford (by way of comparison, Liverpool have 12).
That is an emergency situation; they cannot afford to lose anyone else. Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial increase that number to eight, but Martial will be available for permanent transfer. Van de Beek is surely going to get the chance to reinvigorate his Old Trafford career.
More on Manchester United FC
Man Utd youngster rejects quick Forest return and wants to fight his way into Ten Hag's plans15 June, 2022
Darwin Nunez's imminent Liverpool move fires starter pistol on moving week in the transfer market12 June, 2022
The five 'statement' forwards clubs are battling to sign this summer, from Nunez to Mane07 June, 2022But there is room for manoeuvre in central defence. It would be no surprise if Bailly or Jones were sold this summer, although again United need to have other options lined up. The overriding message is this: don’t spend all summer chasing De Jong only to be left with nothing and a worrying thin squad.
What has been said?
“I make demands in advance before I arrive. If the club doesn’t grant them I won’t take the job. I am the one responsible, I am the one who will get judged by results. I don’t want to be a ruler, I will work together, but having a say in transfers is a condition for me. I think that with me in charge… I made Ajax play the Ajax way. With always the intention to play great, and to play good. With adventure and beauty. There is a bigger winning mentality here now” – Erik ten Hag, 12 April
Potential arrivals
- Frenkie de Jong
- Declan Rice
- Kalvin Phillips
- Ibrahim Sangare
- Victor Osimhen
Completed in/outs
- Ins: None
- Outs: Juan Mata, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Lee Grant, Edinson Cavani, Nemanja Matic (all released)
The Score is Daniel Storey’s weekly verdict on all 20 Premier League teams’ performances. Sign up here to receive the newsletter every Monday morning next season
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