The start of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United reign has only seen the club bring in three first-team signings in a summer where five players have left so far. Samuel Luckhurst has reported that there is frustration with United’s transfer business with the club not addressing key problem areas in the team.
Massive Frustration With United’s Transfer Business From High-Ranking Sources
United’s Business So Far
The three players United have bought in Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, and Christian Eriksen have all featured in pre-season with the latter of those looking extremely impressive. Whilst these signings all seem as if they have something to bring to this current United team, it could be argued the areas the signings have been brought in for are not a priority.
Last season it was clear to see United were in desperate need of new midfielders with Scott McTominay and Fred having to perform roles that weren’t necessarily their preferred ones. This issue has only heightened this summer with the loss of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
Manchester United are likely to go into the first game of the season having not signed a holding midfielder. Whilst Martinez has played in midfield at times with Ajax, Ten Hag playing him in central defence against Rayo Vallecano is most likely an indication of where he sees his best position.
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This same issue is present with United’s attacking options with Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani, and Juan Mata also having left this summer. Currently Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga, and Cristiano Ronaldo are the only first-team attackers United have. Not only this, but Ronaldo is looking for a way to leave Old Trafford.
With Ten Hag playing a front 3 in all of the preseason games United not signing another attacker could prove to be a problem going forward. However, one positive on an attacking note is Alejandro Garnacho who impressed immensely against Rayo Vallecano and may have just pushed to be considered another attacker in the rotation.
Still a Chance
There is still hope for United, however, with Frenkie De Jong‘s name still being mentioned in line with the club. Recently, it was reported that Ruben Neves who according to Melissa Reddy has been a long-time United target, is the plan b if the De Jong deal does not happen. Finally, Benjamin Sesko is an attacker the club is interested in, with Fabrizio Romano suggesting he will make his decision soon.
Read More: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
United’s transfer business so far has been far below what would be anticipated of a team who finished so far below expectation in the previous season but there is still some time to go in this transfer window, and anything could happen.
