Erik Ten Hag has transformed Manchester United significantly in his opening season at the club. He guided the team to their first major trophy win in six years. A domestic cup double is also a possibility this season. But there have also been glaring signs that United are not back to their best yet. New signings are required if Ten Hag is to regularly win the biggest trophies with the Red Devils.
European shortcomings
Winning huge European honours requires a team filled with quality, but also with the necessary experience and mentality to navigate tough games.
United’s collapse against Sevilla showed the team is not at the level to establish themselves as one of Europe’s top teams yet. United went two goals up in the first leg at Old Trafford, but five Sevilla goals followed over the two legs. Sevilla now have a chance at European glory at the expense of United. In the Europa League odds, Sevilla are offered at 10/3 to win the competition, and that is a position Ten Hag’s side could have been in. Today’s football odds show that United are expected to qualify for the UEFA Champions League rather than return to the Europa League next season. They are offered at 1/10 to finish in the top four positions.
United’s season is likely to be a success, but there are warning signs that squad improvements are required if they are to progress further. The fact United were defeated in UEFA’s second-rate competition by a team that is struggling in La Liga demonstrates the current squad is not prepared for the UCL. The current crop of players have struggled to respond when the game state quickly changes in big fixtures. Top-level players have the composure and mentality to respond to any setback and to have full concentration rather than let games bypass them.
United must sign a prolific forward
It is obvious United need some form of additions in the summer. But a forward player is absolutely essential – when United go behind in games they do not have a star forward that can score a goal out of nowhere.
Wout Weghorst has lacked the necessary quality while 0n-loan at the club, and he is certainly not a regular goalscorer. A team like the Red Devils should have one of Europe’s leading forwards spearheading the attack. Someone who is capable of scoring goals of their own accord, but also able to bring the likes of Marcus Rashford into play.
Harry Kane would be a perfect signing for United. He is a complete forward that can score any type of goal and is well-capable of dropping deep and linking the play. Tottenham Hotspur is in a position of uncertainty at present. The future manager is undecided and the squad is certainly lacking in quality. Kane could be willing to join United and be part of an exciting project alongside Ten Hag.
Ultimately, United need to invest significantly in the summer. The overall squad needs to be addressed and sub-par players must depart. Signing a player such as Kane would be a huge statement as to what United aim to achieve in the coming years. Ten Hag is an excellent coach, but he must be given the crucial components in order to build a dynasty at Old Trafford.
