Manchester United have already spent £100million this summer – but they’re only halfway to completing manager Erik ten Hag’s dream XI.
Sure, the Red Devils’ comfortable third-place finish in the Premier League last season was a clear sign of progress.
4
But, in the words of every pundit ever, this is Manchester United Football Club we’re talking about.
Finishing 14 points adrift of the Premier League winners, let alone their neighbours Man City, is not good enough.
As Ten Hag searches for the club’s first top-flight title in more than a decade, the Dutch manager knows this summer is crucial.
United have already signed England midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea in a deal worth a potential £60million.
Then goalkeeper Andre Onana arrived from Inter Milan for £47m following the exit of David de Gea, whose contract expired.
That ticks two boxes: a high-octane, versatile attacking-midfielder and a goalkeeper who is exceptional with his feet.
However, the Red Devils are still yet to address the most concerning area of their squad.
Anthony Martial is currently the only senior striker at Old Trafford – and the jury is still out on the Frenchman.
4
Besides an alarming injury record, Martial has not come close to scoring double-figures in the Premier League since 2020.
United lost 2-0 to Real Madrid on Wednesday, failing to score from 14 attempts, and asked if their attacking woes highlighted the need for a new striker, Ten Hag said: “Absolutely.”
Having pulled out of the race for Tottenham superstar Harry Kane, the man they want is Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund.
talkSPORT understands the Denmark international has already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, who are willing to pay £50m for him.
The final piece of the jigsaw puzzle, budget allowing, is another midfielder.
Constant suspensions for Casemiro and prolonged injuries for Christian Eriksen meant Ten Hag was forced to rely on Scott McTominay and Fred for much of the 2022/23 campaign.
With Mount expected to play in a more advanced role and McTominay up for sale, United are monitoring Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.
The 26-year-old, who starred for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, played under Ten Hag during their time at Utrecht.
Amrabat could even force his way into the starting XI if Ten Hag opts for a more robust midfield.
4
The Dutchman has been ruthless in his pursuit of a United squad which matches his vision.
Not even Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the greatest goalscorer of all-time, or club captain Harry Maguire, have been given any special treatment.
Ten Hag has made no complaints despite numerous obstacles thrown at him, not to mention an ownership saga hanging over the club.
Expectations at United have been lowered and possibly exceeded by the Dutchman so far.
However, with the following XI, including more than £150m worth of summer, the Red Devils will be expected to challenge City at the business end of the Premier League once more…
4
The new talkSPORT match centre
Keep up-to-date with all the latest football fixtures, results and standings in our new match centre.
We have the all the 2023/24 Premier League, EFL, National League and Scottish games listed, as well as all the Women’s World Cup info you need, including fixture timings, results and group tables.
Plus, we have all the major leagues across the world covered, with up-to-date standings on LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and MLS.
