Manchester United are already backing Erik ten Hag in the transfer market this summer after his new contract was announced.
After a hugely disappointing season that saw United finish eighth – their lowest ever finish in the Premier League – the club are desperately trying to solve their many problems now that the transfer window is open.
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Defender Raphael Varane and striker Anthony Martial have left the club on free transfers, while midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has returned to Fiorentina after his loan spell expired.
This means that Ten Hag has to fill several positions, including attack, midfield and defence, with one position likely to be filled soon.
The Red Devils have already paid £36 million to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
Scoring goals has been a serious problem at Old Trafford and last season they managed just 57 in the Premier League – no club in the top ten scored fewer goals.
Zirkzee will fight for a place in the starting eleven with Rasmus Hojlund. Although he has already shown signs of his abilities, he is still far from being the complete package.
After the Red Devils spent £72 million on the Danish international, the 21-year-old scored 16 goals in all competitions – ten of them in the Premier League.
Another striker might not be bad news for Hojlund, who played more in his debut season than Ten Hag probably planned, as more competition will help the former Atalanta star reach his peak.
In defence, United are also close to signing Leny Yoro from Lille.
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The 18-year-old flew to Manchester on Wednesday to undergo a medical ahead of his £52 million transfer.
He would be the fifth most expensive teenager of all time, but the centre-back is highly valued.
Matthijs de Ligt from FC Bayern Munich is still on their radar.
Ten Hag wants to strengthen his defense and could sign more than one center-back, especially after his injury problems last season.
At one point, the Dutch coach did not have an experienced centre-back available anyway, as Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans, as well as newcomer Willy Kwambala, were all injured.
However, FC Bayern Munich fans are not happy about the prospect of de Ligt leaving. Thousands have signed a petition demanding that the transfer not go ahead.
The Dutch international enjoys an excellent reputation and has already played for Ajax, Juventus and FC Bayern.
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With defence and attack looking to be strengthened, United must also think about the central midfield position, where Casemiro could go.
Clubs from Saudi Arabia are interested in the Brazilian international and the Red Devils are closely linked with Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte.
The midfielder only joined PSG last summer but could already be on his way out, and Ten Hag is desperate for more bite in his midfield – and he certainly knows how to do that, as Rodrigo De Paul will tell you.
Scott McTominay is also wanted and the Red Devils have already rejected an offer from Fulham.
With the arrival of at least three players, United could have a completely different formation next season in a 4-2-3-1.
Andre Onana is undoubtedly Ten Hag’s number 1 and missed only one game last season due to his call-up to the Cameroon national team at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Diogo Dalot could return to his preferred position on the right, with the now fit Luke Shaw on the left, while Yoro could partner up with Martinez at the back.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo could continue his rise to stardom at Old Trafford, playing alongside Ugarte, allowing the young England international to operate further forward.
Bruno Fernandes remains United’s most important player as captain and would play at number 10 with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on the wings.
And future newcomer Zirkzee could spearhead the team and relieve Hojlund, who would alternate with the Dutchman in attack.
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