Manchester United’s summer transfer approach looks more quality than quantity as Erik ten Hag seeks to improve his squad.
United have signed Mason Mount and are believed to be closing in on a deal for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, while Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund could follow. Three exciting additions at a considerable cost.
The departure of David de Gea means a new goalkeeper is a must while last season’s loan players Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst have returned to their parent clubs. All three were regulars during their time at Old Trafford and while the signing of Mount and potential double arrival from Serie A offer an upgrade in quality, they do not add to the numbers and are positional like for like replacements.
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But that won’t deter Ten Hag. Last season, despite United playing more than 60 matches, he rarely made wholesale changes or rested key players. This is a manager who likes to work with a core group supplemented by younger talent.
Indeed, United arguably have too bloated a squad as it is without adding further depth. Instead, the recruitment has to focus on improving what’s at Old Trafford already while moving on the fringe players who have no long term future.
The money the Reds raise this summer will form a key part of their transfer policy moving forward and Ten Hag wants to see investment to keep pace the league’s leading lights. United finished third last season having not spent a penny in January while many of their rivals did splash the cash, something not lost on the boss.
“The club knows that if you want to play top four, if you want to compete for trophies in this tough league, you have to invest, otherwise you won't progress because other clubs will,” Ten Hag said at the end of last season. “We saw it in the winter. All the clubs around us invested. We didn't and still we made it. So I am really happy and proud of my team."
But being proud at finishing third is not enough for manager, club and supporters. There is an obvious desire to kick on and close the gap at the top further still.
Ten Hag wants to improve his squad, but with an eye on the departures as oppose to the recent Chelsea policy of ‘sign, sign, sign’ - a strategy which is forcing them into a mass summer exodus. The Dutchman wants to build on what is in place with the right investment on the right players rather than spending millions and carrying 30-plus senior pros.
If deals for Onana and Hojlund are completed, it would be three in, three out at first team level. But that wouldn’t paint the full picture of what Ten Hag how’s will be a decorated canvas.
