Three Positions Manchester United Boss Erik Ten Hag Has To Strengthen

Manchester United’s future manager Erik ten Hag arrives to watch the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in south London on May 22, 2022. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
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Here, we look at three key positions Manchester United need to focus on strengthening during the summer transfer window.

Defence

The fact that Manchester United ended the season on a zero-goal difference should be enough to hint at why they need a complete defensive overhaul in the summer. While Raphael Varane might get back his Real Madrid form back once Erik Ten Hag brings stability to the team’s structure, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof need to be replaced with signings of a higher calibre. Besides, it seems as if Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw will be an integral part of Ten Hag’s plans, but both Alex Telles and Aaron Wan-Bissaka need replacing as they have been abysmal this season. While the Brazilian struggles to defend down the flank, Wan-Bissaka is nowhere near the definition of a modern-day fullback, given his one-dimensional style of play.

The Dutch tactician has turned to his former club in an effort to resolve Manchester United’s defensive problems, with both Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez linked with summer moves.

Ajax's Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber of Ajax celebrates their side’s victory of the Dutch Eredivisie after the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax and sc Heerenveen at Johan Cruijff Arena on May 11, 2022 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency:
Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/)
Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/)

Defensive Midfield

The pathetic imbalance in Manchester United’s team could be reasoned by the absence of an athletic, experienced, and intelligent number six at the base of the midfield.

Having come through the ranks, Scott McTominay has been at the club for years now, but large sections of the fanbase believe that he simply isn’t good enough to be in the squad, let alone the starting line-up. The Scottish international understands the history of the club, has the burning desire to put his life on the line to win tackles, and takes pride in being a Red Devil – but at the end of the day, all that matters is if he’s able to perform on the required standard. If the answer is no, he must be shown the exit door.

Erik Ten Hag wants to reunite with Frenkie De Jong at Old Trafford, and that would be a dream scenario for the fans.

Striker

As much as the United fans love Cristiano Ronaldo, there is absolutely no way he keeps dropping nine out of ten performances on a weekly basis at the age of thirty-seven. The prospect of a young striker who can partner him (or share the gametime) upfront seems acceptable; however, the Red Devils haven’t had much luck signing forwards over the past few years.

Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing Darwin Nunez from Benfica on the back of his excellent 32-goal campaign. Aged 22, he could be the perfect strike partner for Cristiano Ronaldo next term.

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