Manchester United are set to make some high-profile signings this summer, with Erik ten Hag in the spotlight in the transfer market.
After a shocking season in which United finished eighth – their lowest ever finish in the Premier League – the club are desperately trying to solve their many problems in the transfer window.
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Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial have left the club on free transfers, while Sofyan Amrabat has returned to Fiorentina after his loan 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 Pitch Prospect understands that the Red Devils are close to signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, who helped them finish third in Serie A in a strong season.
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 could join the team and move straight into the starting line-up ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, who has had a difficult time in his first year at United.
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.
While Hojlund has worked hard, another striker might not be bad news, as more competition would help the former Atalanta star reach his peak.
In defence, United are making progress on a transfer that would bring in Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.
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The 24-year-old is expected to strengthen Ten Hag’s defense, which was plagued by injuries 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, the fans of FC Bayern Munich are not happy about de Ligt’s departure and 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.
De Ligt may not be the only change in the back line, with Chelsea star Ben Chilwell a possible option to bolster the depth at left-back.
Ten Hag is once again at a loss as to what options he will have at full-back due to injuries, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia set to miss most of the season.
Diogo Dalot has been used mostly as a left-back despite his professional career as a right-back and a more permanent solution is being sought.
Chilwell could find himself on the sidelines under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea next season, with the club apparently already looking to sign someone to fill his position, with plans afoot to bring in Renato Veiga from FC Basel.
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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 leave the club again, and Ten Hag is desperate for more bite in his midfield.
With the arrival of all four players, United could have a very 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.
Dalot could return to his preferred position on the right with the arrival of Chilwell, while De Ligt could partner 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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