Manchester United have pressed reset behind the scenes in a bid to recapture the glory days at Old Trafford and beyond. Despite question marks around his position and future as manager, Erik ten Hag did just about enough to earn a contract extension under INEOS by scooping his second domestic trophy in as many seasons.
However, there have been countless changes both on the training ground and upstairs. Exactly how that impacts United in the transfer market – beyond making Joshua Zirkzee their first signing under part-INEOS ownership – will become clearer in the coming weeks.
Re-united at Old Trafford
United can draw a line through the first item on their wish list. Zirkzee is through the door to provide cover and competition for Rasmus Hojlund in attacking quarters – and the club splashed out £36.5million for the Dutchman’s signature. Next they must sign at least one top level centre-back.
Problems in that area were well-documented last season, while Raphael Varane might not be the only defensive outgoing after the classy former Real Madrid player was allowed to leave on a free transfer this summer.
Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite is one known target – despite his £80million valuation at Goodison Park being a potential sticking point – while the notion Ten Hag could be reunited with Matthijs de Ligt is a whisper becoming more and more audible.
Personal terms have been verbally agreed and it looks to be a question of if and not when De Ligt, who captained Ten Hag’s Ajax as a teenager, is welcomed on board to reignite a career which has stalled over the last two years for club and country. As and when the ink dries, Branthwaite will – funds permitting – remain in United’s crosshairs.
Sancho ‘problem’ to solve
That public spat between Ten Hag and Jadon Sancho needs no recap. The previously ousted England forward is back at Carrington, though, and a permanent departure far from certain despite sources outlining him for a move and the club valuing him at around £40million.
Sancho has reported back for pre-season training and an unlikely U-turn on his position could create an in-house problem for Ten Hag to solve – who plays on the left flank?
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