A number of Manchester United fans are getting concerned that their club has yet to secure a signing this summer with their top six rivals making moves.
Erik ten Hag is chasing a number of targets and the Manchester Evening News understands that talks with Barcelona over Frenkie de Jong are progressing. But many supporters are fed up of hearing about links and are baying for their club to get a deal over the line.
They are hoping United can enter a fresh era under Ten Hag amid dreams of the glory days returning to Old Trafford. United have won just four pieces of silverware in the nine years since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson — the Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield.
READ MORE: Why Manchester United have not signed anyone in the transfer window yet
The club is well overdue another trophy with the most recent success coming some five years ago.
And Ten Hag can look to Ferguson transfer policy for inspiration to finally get his transfer resume started. Speaking on Sky Sports in 2020, Gary Neville explained how the legendary former boss used to go about business in the transfer market. “There were three categories to the policy,” he said.
“He wanted to promote youth wherever possible; that was number one before he even looked at the external market. Number two was to look at the best in the Premier League.
"Those he could trust and still have growth and be with the club for a long time: Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Robin van Persie.”
Neville added: “And then he always wanted emerging international talent that could come over to Manchester, that he could work with and develop into great players: Nemanja Vidic, Peter Schmeichel, Patrice Evra, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.”
Ten Hag was eager to promote youth in his Ajax sides, so point number one will surely align well. Point number two will be difficult to carry out given the current status of the club — but that may change down the line.
Bringing in free agent Christian Eriksen would be a smart first step, and besides, Ten Hag already has one of the football’s best players in Cristiano Ronaldo. Step number three is what the 52-year-old will be judged upon this summer.
Trying to spot the next generation of quality players who are on the rise is not always a cheap venture but it’s very much vital in his rebuilding of United. Jurrien Timber, who is 20, and 22-year-old David Carmo are both on United's radar.
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