Erik ten Hag is reportedly set to continue wielding the axe at Manchester United as he aims to recover an already stuttering season.
The Red Devils have endured a woeful start to the new campaign with an opening day reverse at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion followed by a brutal thumping against Brentford.
Ten Hag is already feeling the pressure amid the club’s worst-ever start to the Premier League season.
He could well wave goodbye to two members of the current squad as he aims to reverse fortunes at Old Trafford. Academy graduate James Garner is among those who could depart the club sooner rather than later.
The young midfielder spent last season on-loan at Nottingham Forest and could potentially return to the East Midlands with Leicester City joining Everton and Southampton in eyeing a swoop. In the meantime, centre-back Eric Bailly is on the verge of drawing a line under his Red Devils’ career. Ligue 1 outfit Marseille are in talks over a loan deal for the Ivorian, with a compulsory purchase clause set to be included in the move.
It remains to be seen if the pair’s exits will be sealed before the Red Devils next take to the pitch. They are aiming to end their wait for a Premier League win against great rivals Liverpool on Monday evening.
Ahead of the showdown at Old Trafford, Ten Hag has laid out the demands to every player in his squad and how they are expected to behave as the side attempt to get out of their current malaise.
How many more signings do Man Utd need to make this summer? Share your opinions in the comments below
Speaking to United’s official website, the Dutchman said: “It starts with the basic stuff. [You have to be] reliable, have drive, have the motivation – [be] highly motivated.
“You [should] want to fight and you [should] bring it every day on the training pitch. You want to strengthen the squad.
“You are [part of] a unified club, a unified team and, most of, all you are prepared to win.”
Away from Garner and Bailly, a number of other players in the current squad could potentially be on their way out of Old Trafford. Brandon Williams appears to be far down the pecking order and could leave, whilst fellow defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka may also wave goodbye.
Scott McTominay and Amad Diallo could also leave the club before next month’s deadline, the former being chased by a number of Premier League rivals, whilst the Ivorian winger could make another loan exit after spending last term with Scottish giants Rangers.
The incomings could also continue at Old Trafford - Frenkie de Jong, Antony and Cody Gakpo are all being eyed by the Red Devils before the end of the transfer window.
