Manchester United are poised for a big overhaul this summer with the arrival of Erik ten Hag from Ajax. Erik ten Hag will be joining United during the off-season and will be taking charge for the pre-season friendlies before the beginning of the regular season in the fall. After accepting the job as Austria’s head coach, Ralf Rangnick will be continuing his consultancy role with the club.
Outs
Several players will be departing from the club in the coming weeks. Nemanja Matic, and Juan Mata played their last home games for United as they both have confirmed their departure from the club at the end of the season. Edinson Cavani is also on his way out after an underwhelming second season marred with injuries and unavailability. Another confirmed departure is that of goalkeeper Lee Grant. While there have not been any official announcements, Pogba and Lingard will also be leaving the club this summer. The end of these contracts will open up 6 spots on the team and about £36 million in yearly wages.
The club might make sales for out-of-favor players including Martial, Rashford, Bailly, and Phil Jones. A sale for Rashford may not happen. However, Jones and Bailly could be sold in order to fund a move for another center back. Harry Maguire is another candidate who has fallen out of favor with fans and the manager but a move away for him seems highly unlikely. United are currently also facing a crisis with their defensive backs. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has fallen down the pecking order, and Luke Shaw is out with injury.
The Return
The departures of Pogba and Matic will leave a gaping hole in the United midfield. Both players were generally calm on the ball, often keeping possession and passing patiently. United will have McTominay, Fred, and Donny in their ranks. This may be the Dutchman’s chance to establish himself in the center of the park for the Red Devils. Reports have suggested that United might be in the market for Declan Rice and Christopher Nkunku but both their price tags will probably discourage the Red Devils. Donny van de Beek could pair with McTominay / Fred in the holding roles. Alternatively, he can pair with Bruno in an attacking midfielder role. Erik ten Hag and his history with van de Beek might just revive Donny’s premier league career.
Ins
However, a position that United urgently needs to address is their center half. Harry Maguire’s disappointing campaign has had fans calling for the captain’s head. As per media reports, United is interested in Sevilla’s Pau Torres. United might be competing with Tottenham for Torres but a new center back could help United in a department they are struggling in.
While the transfers are an area of focus for United and Erik ten Hag, the fans should feel worried about the carefree and lackadaisical nature of the ownership. While most club owners strive to provide their team and management with the best resources and support, the Glazers will continue to see the club as a cash cow, no matter what the cost. These summer signings will be great, but the most import thing is rid our club of this curse- Green and Gold till the club is sold!
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