Manchester United finally have their man, with Erik ten Hag confirmed as their new manager.
The club confirmed the appointment on Thursday, with Ten Hag set to take over at Old Trafford at the end of the season. He becomes United’s fifth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and will arrive at a crucial time for the club.
The 52-year-old will have plenty on his plate when he arrives in the summer. He’ll find himself picking up the pieces after a dismal season, with a major rebuild in the offing as a number of players depart, while new signings are desperately needed.
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There has already been plenty of speculation as to what we could see from Ten Hag this summer as he gets to work building his squad. As well as making new signings, there will be plenty of interest in some of those currently at the club.
Following the announcement of Ten Hag’s appointment on Thursday, MEN Sport’s senior football writer Tyrone Marshall hosted a Q&A as he answered fans’ burning questions. The new manager’s transfer priorities proved to be the main topic of discussion.
Q: How accurate are reports that Erik ten Hag could make up to 10 new signings this summer. Is this an exaggerated number? What do you think this summer's overhaul will look like?
TM: This number came from Ralf Rangnick's press conference after the game at Anfield on Tuesday when he said there could be 'six, seven, eight, maybe 10 new players'. Rangnick was very honest and pretty angry after the defeat to Liverpool, but it's clear the squad does need an overhaul, although 10 new signings is unrealistic.
I'd expect at least one midfielder, a striker, perhaps another winger, a centre-back and maybe a full-back, but even fulfilling that list will be tricky this summer, especially without Champions League football.
Q: It looks like Ten Hag will prioritise the transfer of a new striker in this summer. Right now, who is the leading target for this position? Is it Darwin Nunez or another name like Harry Kane or Christopher Nkunku?
TM: A striker and a midfielder are the two certainties when it comes to transfers. Darwin Nunez is admired by United but his performances against Liverpool made everyone sit up and take note. United can offer him a clear path to being their main man, but they would face competition for him.
Kane is still floating around as an option, but I don't think it's realistic given Tottenham's progress under Conte recently. Nkunku has had a good season and RB Leipzig are a selling club, but he's 24 and this is the first time he's scored more than seven goals in a season. He would be a risk.
Q: I know that Rangnick said that United could sign up to 10 players but is it realistic to think United will sign three or four, since this has been the consistent number of transfers since Fergie left?
TM: This is exactly it. If United were to suddenly sign 10 players it would be a departure from what they've done the previous nine years. To sign 10 players to improve this squad would also cost probably £300m to £500m, it's just not going to happen. As I said, I think if they signed five players it would be a busy and probably successful summer.
Q: As far as you know, did Ten Hag really want to kick Cristiano out from the squad next year? And how about Rashford? Did Ten Hag also want to let him go?
TM: I don't think Ten Hag has committed to any decisions on squad members yet and the reality is United can't let too many players go because of the number they're losing on free transfers. Rashford will welcome the chance to impress a new manager and a summer off might help him clear his head.
If United let Ronaldo go they would have no strikers left, but his future might depend on his willingness to play in the Europa League, or Conference League. This season Ajax have played a 6ft 3in striker in attack with Dusan Tadic as a left-footed, left-winger swinging crosses in, so don't write Ronaldo off just yet.
Q: I have another question regarding the rumour that Rangnick had a spat with Fletcher in Anfield. Is it true? And as far as you know, what role will Fletcher have in next season?
TM: I've not heard anything about them having a spat at Anfield. Fletcher has been very visible on the touchline this season and Rangnick has clearly leaned on him at times in games.
I think Fletcher will remain as technical director and be less visible next season. His role isn't supposed to involve such hands-on work but he stepped up towards the end of the Solskjaer era and has become more involved with the departures of Carrick, McKenna and Pert.
I'd expect Fletcher to be less heavily involved in coaching and matchdays next season. Fletcher was appointed a year ago and there's been no suggestion the club want to change already.
Q: With the changes in scouting department is there any information on Paul Mitchell potentially incoming?
TM: Everything we've been told is that Paul Mitchell is simply friends with Rangnick, and a Mancunian to boot, which is why he took in the Youth Cup game when he was home recently. Despite suggestions to the contrary, he is still employed by Monaco as a sporting director and has been linked with a technical director role at Chelsea.
United have those posts filled by Murtough and Fletcher and with Rangnick staying on as a consultant, there doesn't look to be an obvious role that Mitchell would take at United.
Q: Some reports said that Ten Hag will be given about £200million this summer, but another report said that because United will most likely not qualify for the Champions League, they'll just give Ten Hag about £20million. So which one is the most likely budget for Ten Hag to spend in the summer?
TM: I think the figure will be much closer to £200m than £20m. United will save at least £1million a week on wages with Pogba, Mata, Lingard, Matic and Cavani leaving and there is an obvious need to strengthen the squad in key areas.
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