MY ACCOUNT
Erik ten Hag’s Old Trafford reign kicks off this afternoon — but Manchester United look a long way short of the finished article.
Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia, Brentford creator-in-chief Christian Eriksen and Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez have all joined the Red Devils as they look to improve on last season’s disappointing sixth-place finish.
However, plenty more will need to be done in the transfer market if United are to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool at the Premier League’s summit.
Ahead of today’s clash with Brighton, we take a look at the positions that still need strengthening at the Theatre of Dreams.
De Jong deal
United have pursued Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong throughout the current transfer window — and it would be a major blow if they were unable to secure the 25-year-old star.
But complications over unpaid wages are proving to be a stumbling block, as a result of the cash-strapped Catalans’ precarious financial position.
LaLiga’s salary cap rules mean Barca are struggling to register their summer signings, which could work in the Red Devils’ favour.
The Blaugrana will be desperate to find a resolution in order to free up funds at the Camp Nou.
Recruit a right-back
Diogo Dalot has nailed down United’s starting right-back berth during pre-season — but Ten Hag will be keen to upgrade on the Portugal international.
Fellow full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is out of favour at Old Trafford, so adding depth on the right flank is crucial.
One name in the frame is Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries, though Chelsea have also expressed an interest in the Netherlands international.
And former Premier League defender Alan Hutton believes that the 26-year-old would be an ideal signing for the Red Devils.
Hutton said: “He [Dumfries] is definitely attacking, he loves to get forward. We saw it in the Euros with Holland, he’s an outlet, and that is the way Ten Hag wants to play.
“He’s been brought up in that mould of the Dutch football, the passing, the movement, the working hard. I think he could come in and hit the ground running. That’s the way he wants to play football so it would be a good match.”
Stopper search
Dean Henderson’s loan move to Premier League new boys Nottingham Forest has left United light in the goalkeeping department.
Veteran stopper Tom Heaton can fill in between the sticks if required — but high-quality competition for David de Gea will be high on Ten Hag’s wish list.
Watford’s Daniel Bachmann and Newcastle custodian Karl Darlow have been linked with moves to M16, while Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili is another potential option.
Finding a forward
United have played Anthony Martial up front for much of pre-season, with the French forward getting on the scoresheet against Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace.
But he has struggled to make the required impact in previous campaigns — and also failed to impress while on loan at Sevilla last term.
With Marcus Rashford likely to feature out wide rather than up front, another centre forward is required.
Signing a high-profile attacker at this late stage of the window will be a challenge, though Stuttgart colossus Sasa Kalajdzic and FC Salzburg teenager Benjamin Sesko could be feasible additions.
Antony arrival
A tough-tackling anchorman should arguably be United’s next priority, though they are unlikely to strengthen further in midfield this summer if De Jong arrives.
However, the Red Devils could look to add a right-sided forward to their ranks to compete with England international Jadon Sancho.
And Ten Hag is believed to be keen on reuniting with Ajax sensation Antony, though a bid of £50million has reportedly already been rejected by the Dutch giants.
An offer of £67m may be enough for the Amsterdam outfit to sanction a sale however, so do not rule out the 22-year-old moving to Manchester this summer.
