Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, it is no secret that Manchester United will be looking to strengthen their armoury come the summer transfer window.
United invested more than £200million in new signings last summer to get the Erik ten Hag era off the ground and are expected to dive deep into their pockets again ahead of next season, as the club prepares to move to the second phase of its squad rebuilding project. United are expected to prioritise the signing of a world-class striker as their main aim, with the lack of a reliable centre-forward option having troubled them this term.
As well as wanting to sign a new goal-getter, the Reds are also expected to target the addition of a new right-back and a younger central-midfielder. United bolstered their midfield options last summer with the additions of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro and they have each enjoyed successful maiden campaigns at Old Trafford.
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However, as has been highlighted by Eriksen's current ankle problem and Casemiro's suspension, United lack sufficient options in reserve. Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek are also currently sidelined, meaning Ten Hag is down to the bare bones.
Though Casemiro was signed to add a world-class defensive presence to the midfield, Ten Hag, initially, wanted another ball-playing midfielder to accompany Eriksen in the middle. As this season has progressed, you can understand why.
Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong, who is likely to face United in the Europa League on Thursday evening, was Ten Hag's top target and the Reds, as reported by the Manchester Evening News back in December, have refused to shutdown the idea of making a second attempt to lure him to M16 this forthcoming summer. The Dutchman worked with Ten Hag at Ajax and was United's top target for most of last summer.
As well as De Jong being on their radar, United have also refused to rule out the prospect of having a second stab at attempting to bring Jude Bellingham to Old Trafford. The Borussia Dortmund ace, who starred for England at the World Cup in Qatar, visited Carrington back in March 2020 with his family, as United attempted to win the race for his signature while he was still on the books of Birmingham City.
Since joining Dortmund in July the same year, he has gone from strength-to-strength at a rapid rate of knots, making north of 100 appearances, scoring 20 goals and racking up 24 assists. He has excelled at such a rate that he is widely considered as the most exciting youngster on the planet, with clubs queuing up to try and secure his signature ahead of the summer.
Although United are not at the front of the queue, they may test the water and attempt to bring him back to England. It is understood that Ten Hag has told confidants that if he could sign any player in the world it would be Bellingham.
And based on what Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic said following Saturday's 2-0 win over Werder Bremen, it is little wonder. Terzic waxed lyrical about his ability, while also pointing towards his attitude and mentality.
"He is outstanding and has no limits," said the Dortmund boss. "He is the oldest 19-year-old in the world."
His remark about Bellingham being the "oldest 19-year-old in the world" pointed towards his first-class attitude and application, something that was heavily praised during the World Cup in Qatar. As we have all witnessed this season, Ten Hag has transformed the mentality and character of United's players, installing a fresh mindset while ending the player power era at Old Trafford.
He has set impeccable standards that he expects his players to adhere to and Bellingham's maturity and mindset, it seems, would fit the bill perfectly.
"I have high expectations from myself and that is also what I demand from my squad," said Ten Hag, speaking in his first interview as United boss back in May. "They have to co-operate together and they have to give every day their best. And I would say, for me, good is not good enough. We have to do better."
With Bellingham displaying the characteristics, mindset and maturity that he is, he strikes as being a tailor-made type of player for Ten Hag, not only as a footballer but also as an individual. United might not be leading the race for his signature, but they have to make sure they are at least on the starting grid when the battle commences.
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