Manchester United have endured a miserable season with one game to go. Next season, United plays in the Europa League, but it is not a guarantee yet. If United fail to win their last game and West Ham triumph, the unthinkable could happen. United will then have to compete in the Conference League next season which could be a huge blow.
However, there is still optimism within the squad and fans with Erik ten Hag set to take over the manager’s role from next season onwards. Further on, interim manager Ralf Rangnick has stated earlier that the club needs an ‘open-heart surgery’ in order to get things right. Ten Hag will get full backing from Manchester United with new signings in the summer.
Old Trafford could see a whole lot of changes following the summer transfer window. A few players have even already announced their exits, and a few are imminent to leave. Though Rangnick has suggested that as many as 11 signings are needed, Ten Hag could be availed with at least 5-6 new players.
The Red Devils have let in a whopping 56 goals this season, scoring only 57. Every department of United needs reinforcements, right from the defense to the attack. We take a look at how United’s squad could shape up for next season with new additions.
First and foremost the outgoings
A lot many players are expected gone before Ten Hag takeovers the reigns at Manchester United. Some have their contracts up in the summer, while some could be cashed-on in. Furthermore, midfielders in Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic have already announced that they will leave the club at the end of the season. Mata signed for the Red Devils in 2014 and since played 284 games for them. However, the attacking maestro’s game-time has come down to only 11 appearances this season. Matic followed his Chelsea teammate to Old Trafford in 2017 and has 189 games for Man United. The 33-year-old will leave as well.
And further on, a string of first-team players are staring at an exit. Star midfielder Paul Pogba has almost decided to leave after his contract is up in the summer. The same goes for Anthony Martial, Andreas Pereira, Axel Tuanzebe, and Brandon Williams whose contracts expire this summer.
However, long-time servers Marcus Rashford, Eric Bailly, and Phil Jones face uncertain futures as well. De Gea’s deputy Dean Henderson wants out too after failing to land regular minutes. All these faces could be gone even before Ten Hag is seen on the touchline for Manchester United.
Manchester United to reinforce every department for Ten Hag
It’s certain that United will have to first sell to buy new players. But the club is firm on bringing in new faces to help Ten Hag impose his style. Starting from the goalkeeper, David de Gea will remain the undisputed number 1. As a result, Henderson’s exit could be facilitated who is valued around £40 million.
United have new center-backs and full-backs next on their agenda. Villarreal’s Pau Torres is the first name on the list for a summer move. The center-back has delivered solid displays for Villarreal this term, helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals. His market value stands at £45 million, but it would take more than that to land him.
Another low-cost target is Ten Hag’s former man Jurrien Timber from Ajax. The youngster has developed massively under Ten Hag and the manager now wants him at Manchester United. He could cost United around £30 million.
Full-back will be a tough position to strengthen for United. They already have four players in that position Luke Shaw, Alex Telles, Diogo Dalot, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Furthermore, United have sent two of their young full-backs, Ethan Laird and Brandon Williams on loan.
Ten Hag will need two midfielders, with one being a defensive. United have been heavily linked with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong over the last few days, as Ten Hag looks to reunite with his former player. Donny van de Beek could also return from his disappointing loan to find regular minutes under his former boss.
In attack, Rangnick has already made it clear that he wants two ‘modern strikers’. He also revealed that the club stopped him from buying one in January. But with Ten Hag in charge, Rangnick will certainly have his hands on the strikers he wants for Manchester United.
The core United squad for 2022/23
If all United succeed in acquiring all its targets, it will be a huge step forwards for them. As a result, the Manchester United squad could shape up as following under Erik ten Hag for next season.
De Gea, new backup goalkeeper, Tom Heaton
Dalot, Wan-Bissaka/ new full-back, Pau Torres, Varane, Maguire, Lindelof, Mengi, Telles, Shaw
Frenkie de Jong, new midfielder, McTominay, Fred, Garner, Van de Beek
New Striker, Ronaldo, Sancho, Rashford, Elanga, Fernandes, Mejbri
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