The transfer window for the summer of 2022 is flying by and Manchester United have yet to make a second signing. There are three players that seem imminent before the windows end and more to be rumored. But will 3 signings be enough to help Eric ten Hag take this squad back to Champions League football? What would the new boss need in order to have this team fighting for the EPL? Fans are growing restless as United seem to be operating very slowly this summer. There was hope things would be different under a new manager and with Ed Woodward gone. Only time will tell if this is the beginning of a glorious era to come.
The 3 Signings that Will Happen
Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen is set to finalize his deal with the club in the coming days. The signing of the Danish midfielder on a free from Brentford has all but been confirmed already. Fabrizio Romano even gave the “here we go” over the signing. Although, in typical Manchester United fashion the final steps of officially announcing the signing are moving emphatically slow.
Should or When the midfielder arrives, he will bring immense creative ability to a depleted midfield. There is hope Eriksen can play more centrally, just behind Fernandes. Eric ten Hag’s tactics have not truly been seen in action yet so who knows how he’ll piece it together. Eriksen is capable of playing a variety of midfield roles but he is an attacking midfielder at his core. It is vital the Gaffer finds a way to get the best out of Eriksen alongside Fernandes. This is a signing all United fans should be excited about.
Frankie de Jong
Frankie de Jong is also set to sign for the club this summer. There seems to be the general acknowledgment that this deal will be around 65 million pounds plus performance related addons. Barcelona are yet to accept a deal officially, but there is an acceptance around the Camp Nou that this deal will happen. The club needs the money and currently owes de Jong around 17 million pounds in backdated wages. This is what is most likely causing the hold up. Perhaps if United agree to take those backdated wages on, they can secure a cheaper transfer price.
The young Dutch midfielder is probably Eric ten Hag’s most desired signing. Having worked with him at Ajax, de Jong would seemingly slide right into this United side. The ability and talent of de Jong is just what this United team needs. He is gifted with impeccable ball control and balance, something you’ll often see when watching de Jong play. The dutchman is capable of running and weaving through multiple defenders and playing the ball off into an excellent position. This is due to his ability to always have his head up with the ball at his feet. United fans are a bit split on the signing of de Jong due to his wages and the saga it has become, but there is no doubt he would take United’s midfield to the next level.
Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez also seems to be on his way to Old Trafford. According to Sky Sports the signing of the Argentine defender is imminent. A fee is yet to be agreed, but there is a willingness from both sides to get this deal done. Martinez has a desire to make the move and wishes to play under ten Hag again. Arsenal were also in for his signature but Martinez has now made it clear he wishes to play for the Red Devils.
Martinez is known as “the butcher” to Ajax fans due to his aggressive style in defense and became one of ten Haggs favorite players during his time in Holland. The Argentine would surely improve United’s defense centrally, but he also offers the ability to play at left back and more importantly defensive midfield.
Last season in the Erdevise, Martinez finished 1st in passes completed and 3rd in passes forward. Martinez is very calm on the ball and very intelligent in his ability to anticipate opponent positions. The Argentine may be small, but he lead the league in aerial duels won in 2021. Martinez could both be the answer to United’s CDM problems and defensive woes.
A Signing United should Consider
Alexander Isak is currently being chased by Newcastle United for an expected fee in the range of 70-80 million pounds. Quite an expensive price for the Swedish international and Real Sociedad striker. Although, at only 22 years old and full of potential that price seems okay, especially given the current market for players.
Isak managed only 6 goals in La Liga last season but was always a staple in the Sociedad side. His ability to play the ball, move between defenders and get into space makes him a deadly player regardless of goals. But, for a striker, goals are the name of the game.
The season prior to last Isak managed 17 goals in La Liga followed by an amazing performance with Sweden in the Euros. One thing to consider on his latest goal tally is that Real Sociedad are not much of an offensive squad to begin with. Sociedad had a decent season overall and are one of La Liga’s stronger teams but expecting any player to score close to 20 goals consistently with that squad is ludicrous. Given the situation with Ronaldo, should he stay or go, United should sign Isak. If Ronaldo stays, Isak could learn a lot from him and be an excellent option in rotation.
The Era of ten Hag has Begun
Regardless of what signings United make before the window closes, there is much optimism that the squad will perform much better than last season. United fans should remain patient though, as even Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola took time to get their teams performing on all cylinders. Guardiola just finished in 4th his first season in England and Klopp was fighting for a Europa league title in his. Eric ten Hag will need time, but he could hit the ground running too. Fans should be excited and supportive throughout the season. United will play better football this year and a few more singings will only help Manchester United return to the top of English Football.
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