Erik ten Hag wants to make more signings this summer in order to complete his dream starting XI.
While the new manager has made a positive start to life at United, it's clear that further reinforcements in key positions are still required if he has a hope of making the club competitive again in his first season. Midfield is the position Ten Hag most wants to see improved, with a technical and composed holding-midfielder desired, while further additions in attack are also on his list.
United's chase for Frenkie de Jong is ongoing and they look no closer to signing the Dutchman, despite having a deal in place for weeks. In fact, Premier League rivals Chelsea have now registered their own interest and their ability to offer Champions League football could be a crucial factor.
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Ten Hag is operating with a severe lack of options in attack following the departures of Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata as free agents, while Cristiano Ronaldo would still like to leave if he can find a suitable escape route. Yet if the Portuguese stays there would still only be four senior attacking options alongside Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial.
Anthony Elanga, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad and Facundo Pellistri are also involved in the first team but remain raw and unproven, with the club conceding that upgrades are needed to meet Ten Hag's demands. However, initial target Antony of Ajax looks highly unlikely to join due to the Dutch side's €80million valuation.
John Murtough met the agent of Red Bull Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko two weeks ago and the teenage striker is very highly rated. The Slovenian netted 11 times, adding a further seven assists, last season and scored a winner in a friendly against Liverpool last week. If United could somehow secure De Jong and snag Sesko, then their squad would begin to look much healthier.
Ten Hag's strongest side is beginning to take shape and it looks like the backline will definitely consist of David de Gea, Diogo Dalot and captain Harry Maguire. Luke Shaw is competing with Tyrell Malacia for the left-back slot, as Alex Telles heads out on loan. There is also going to be a battle for the left-sided centre-back role between new signing Lisandro Martinez and multiple-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane, but the latter's injury record may tip the scales in the new man's favour. Though Victor Lindelof may well start ahead of both on the opening day.
In midfield, it's clear that Ten Hag wants De Jong to operate at the base of midfield to control the tempo of matches from deep. Fred looks to have earned his way into the side thanks to his all-action style while Bruno Fernandes would complete the midfield.
Even if Sesko is signed, he is likely too young to be a regular starter but instead could offer a good option off the bench and back-up. Even if Ronaldo remains at the club, it does look like Ten Hag will prefer a more mobile and dynamic attack of Martial in the middle with Sancho and Rashford on either flank.
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