How Erik ten Hag’s starting XI could look next season after dream Manchester United transfer window
Manchester United’s performance this season has exceeded the expectations of some fans, but with success comes the challenge of increased expectations.
When Erik ten Hag started his first season at Old Trafford, many fans only hoped for a top-four finish and an end to the club’s trophy drought.
However, the team has already won the Carabao Cup and is unlikely to slip out of the Champions League places. Moreover, they have a chance to win the Europa League and the FA Cup.
The new manager has made almost every significant decision correctly and has had a great first season. However, with such a successful debut, his targets for next season will be much higher. Failing to make a genuine challenge for the Premier League title and a deep run in the Champions League will be considered disappointing.
To have any chance of achieving these goals, United will need to make significant investments in the summer transfer window. What makes Ten Hag’s achievement even more impressive is that he has done it with limited options, particularly upfront.
Although Rashford has been the team’s top scorer with 27 goals, he has played his best football on the left flank. The team’s central strikers have not been up to par, with Anthony Martial missing more games than he has played, Cristiano Ronaldo being unsuited to the task and leaving, and Wout Weghorst being capable of pressing and linking up play, but not scoring.
Manchester United requires a top-quality striker who possesses a combination of off-the-ball work, dribbling skills, and consistent goal-scoring ability. Acquiring a player of Harry Kane’s caliber would be the ultimate goal, despite the difficulties and expenses that may come with it. Other potential strikers like Victor Osimhen, Goncalo Ramos, and Mohammed Kudus are also being considered.
In addition to a striker, United also needs to focus on strengthening their midfield. Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have played a significant role in the team’s success, and their absence is noticeable. Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay have not made significant improvements under Ten Hag, while Fred has improved but is still not consistent enough to be a regular starter.
midfielders, and they require additional quality to progress further. While Ten Hag may prefer Frenkie de Jong, fans would be more thrilled by Jude Bellingham’s arrival, given his young age, exceptional talent, and his desire to remain at Barcelona. However, signing Bellingham would be expensive, costing over £100 million.
Despite this, it would still be considered a good deal as the Borussia Dortmund player is one of the world’s top midfielders, and has the potential to improve further.
While Sabitzer may not be a starter, signing him permanently after his loan move could be a simple way to increase the quality of United’s midfield depth for several positions.
Manchester United has an advantage in that they can allocate their budget towards strengthening their midfield and attack as they do not require additional wingers and their defense is almost settled.
The combination of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane makes for an impressive center-back pairing, while Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw serve as competent backups. Additionally, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia provide solid options at the left-back position.
If Harry Maguire were to leave, Ten Hag might consider signing an additional center-back for depth, but it is not currently a priority. The only other position that may require improvement is right-back. While Diogo Dalot has made significant progress this season, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also shown improvement, so not signing a new right-back would not be a disaster.
However, Ten Hag may prefer a right-back who is effective on both ends of the pitch, and Denzel Dumfries, a fellow Dutchman and Inter star, has been linked to a move to Old Trafford. If everything goes according to plan in the summer, Ten Hag may once again exceed expectations.
How Erik ten Hag’s starting XI could look next season after dream Manchester United transfer window
