Manchester United transfers: What are the three positions Erik ten Hag needs to strengthen in summer transfer window?

Their squad looks a lot more fearsome overall, however, there are still some holes that needs fixing.

File photo of Manchester United players; Credit: Twitter/ @EuropaLeague
By Karthik Raman | May 1, 2023 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Manchester United have had a positive start to life under Erik ten Hag this campaign. The Red Devils have done remarkably well to be where they are in the season right now. Having already won a cup competition (EFL Cup), they are in the final of another – FA Cup. Besides, Man United are also sitting comfortably in the top four positions in the Premier League. Even in the Europa League, they were knocked out in the quarter-final stage after producing several impressive performances during the course of the tournament.

It is a massive improvement over where Manchester United were at the same point last season. Therefore, a lot of credit must be given to Erik ten Hag for changing the mentality within the club. However, they are far from being a finished article. Even though United’s home form has been supremely impressive, their away form has been worrisome, particularly against the big sides. Their squad looks a lot more fearsome overall, however, there are still some holes that needs fixing. Hence, let us look at the three positions Erik ten Hag needs to strengthen in the upcoming transfer window.

Striker

It goes without saying that a striker is the most important area on the pitch that Manchester United need to address in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils have been over reliant on Marcus Rashford for goals this season. To the Englishman’s credit, he has been extremely consistent this campaign by regularly popping up with goals. Out of his 29 goals this season in all competitions, 16 have come in the Premier League. However, it is shocking to see that Man United have scored just 49 goals from 32 games in the league till now. There are quite a few teams sitting below them in the table who have scored more goals than United in the English top flight this campaign. Hence, it is imperative for ten Hag to find a goal scorer in the summer transfer window.

File photo of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag; credit; Twitter/ @ManUtd
File photo of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag; credit; Twitter/ @ManUtd

Midfielder

From the outlook, a midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen might not look bad. However, if we take a closer look then it will be clear why Manchester United need a midfielder. The Red Devils have been heavily relying on Fernandes to create chances, while Eriksen has been their only reliable playmaker from the deep and Casemiro has been irreplaceable in the squad. Whenever one of these players have been absent, United have looked short in the middle of the park. They miss Casemiro the most, as the team struggles to cope with his absence big time in centre of the pitch. Besides, United do not have a world class playmaker, who can be good with and without the ball. Hence, in one of these positions, they have to find a sufficient back up.

Right-back

This has been a problem area for a long time at Manchester United. They have two right-backs – Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot. However, they both have not convinced the supporters nor the pundits entirely. Dalot is good with progressing the ball forward, however, his defensive attributes are questioned time and again. On the other hand, Wan-Bissaka is arguably one of the best in one-on-one defending but his contribution in the attacking third is very little. Therefore, it is essential for United to sign a right-back who produces more in the final third of the pitch and can also hold his position in the defensive third for the team.

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