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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Five key questions Manchester United must answer as Premier League transfer window opens

The Premier League transfer window officially opens today, and we await what is set to be a busy Old Trafford summer.

MEN Sport understands Erik ten Hag has highlighted a number of targets this summer. Harry Kane is believed to be a top priority but doubts remain about whether Tottenham Hotspur will be willing to sell.

Mason Mount is thought to have agreed personal terms with the Reds while Ten Hag has held several video calls with Rasmus Hojlund. Kim Min-jae is also believed to be on the verge of arriving, according to reports in Italy, as United look to strengthen their defence.

Ahead of what will undoubtedly be a busy summer, the Manchester Evening News has looked at five big questions which need answering in the transfer window.

ALSO READ: Manchester United could be about to get the transfer clarity Erik ten Hag craves

1) What is Ten Hag's budget?

United's boss admitted last month he was in the dark about his budget for the summer.

"I don't have influence on that," he explained. "I don't know. The only thing I know is that Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs, among maybe the two biggest clubs in the world from a fanbase perspective. So, I think this club has to compete for the highest in the world, so Champions League, Premier League. But in football you need funds to construct squads because the level from your players makes you successful or not."

The Dutchman needs to know the parameters he is working under in the market before implementing his plan, unfortunately for him the ongoing takeover process is a hinderance.

2) Which striker will be coming in?

Following the lack of goals this season, a new striker is a key priority in the summer. In an ideal world for Ten Hag, Kane would arrive. But, considering Spurs are not keen to sell, United will likely need to look at alternatives. As well as Hojlund, Victor Osimhen and Randal Kolo Muani are highly thought of by Ten Hag so there could be a few avenues to explore this summer.

3) Who will be let go?

Phil Jones has already announced his intention to leave and more names will follow. Players like Eric Bailly, Anthony Elanga and Brandon Williams could all be heading for the exit door while a big decision will need to be made on Harry Maguire after he was relegated to fourth choice centre back last season. Questions remain over a number of fringe players, such as Anthony Elanga, Scott McTominy, Fred and Donny van de Beek.

4) Who will arrive in midfield?

This campaign, Bruno Fernandes proved his worth to Ten Hag by filling in across the midfield but this is not a long-term solution. At least one midfielder needs to be signed to provide options. Mount appears set to arrive but further additions wouldn't go amiss.

5) What next for De Gea?

Perhaps United's most pressing selection question revolves around David de Gea. The Spaniard is out of contract this month albeit he is expected to remain. If he stays, he may not be first choice next season and if he goes, United will need two goalkeepers before the season starts.

A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here

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