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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag insisted he is “not frustrated at all” by the club’s transfer window, despite encountering difficulties in the market.
United have drafted in Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia ahead of the 2022-23 campaign but have not been able to land other targets – including Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
That has led to some reports that the club are concerned about the limited number of new arrivals ahead of the Premier League season, which United begin at Old Trafford against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
Ten Hag has denied that he feels that way, however, adding that he is “really happy” with the three additions the club has made.
“I’m not frustrated at all. First of all, we have a squad and we have already made progress. We are more pro-active than we were at the start,” he told Sky Sports.
“Second is the players who we have now signed. We are really happy with them. You can already see that they can contribute to the squad.
“The last thing is that we know what we want. It’s not about signing players; it’s about signing the right players.
“So, we are really planning it carefully and we are sticking to that and working hard to get the right players in to construct a good squad and a squad that can win games.”
Another problem for United in the close season has been Cristiano Ronaldo, who is widely reported to be seeking an exit from the club in order to continue playing Champions League football.
The Portugal international has managed just 45 minutes in pre-season, having missed the club’s tour of Australia and the Far East, leaving him lacking fitness ahead of the campaign.
There have also been questions as to whether Ronaldo can fit into the style of play that Ten Hag will adopt at United this season but the Dutch coach does not have any concerns.
“It starts with him getting fit because he’s only just started,” he added.
“He is a fantastic football player, and he has proved it so many times, but you are always judged on what you are presenting now and how you are performing now.
“So, the team and Cristiano himself has to prove it.”
