Erik ten Hag makes feelings known as hopes of two transfers hang by thread
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hinted that the club’s summer transfer business could be complete as plans for a new centre-back and midfielder stall. The Red Devils have splashed £179million on three signings, but Ten Hag was keen to add more quality to his squad before the deadline.
United sealed new arrivals in Ten Hag’s three priority positions before the season kicked off, which many deemed a roaring success compared to last summer’s late rush.
Mason Mount made a surprise £60m switch from Chelsea, Andre Onana replaced David de Gea in a £47m deal, and Rasmus Hojlund secured a dream move to Old Trafford worth £72m.
But Ten Hag wants more fresh blood in midfield and reportedly identified Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat as his top target for the final weeks of the window.
Amrabat is said to be waiting for a move to M16, but United need to offload another midfielder after sanctioning Fred’s £13m exit for Fenerbahce.
With no suitors meeting Scott McTominay’s £45m valuation and Donny van de Beek’s expected departure currently quiet, Ten Hag’s midfield hopes are in limbo.
The Dutchman had also identified Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard as a replacement for Harry Maguire after United accepted a £30m offer from West Ham United.
However, Maguire’s refusal to join the Hammers also looks to have denied him an upgrade in defence.
And Ten Hag has suggested he is happy with his squad as it currently is as he prepares to improve on a successful first season at Old Trafford.
“Our squad is covered – all the positions are covered,” Ten Hag explained ahead of Saturday’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
“I think we have a good squad, and with this squad, we are convinced we can go for our [trophy] targets.”
Ten Hag lifted the Carabao Cup – ending a six-year trophy drought at Old Trafford – and guided United to a third-place finish last term, qualifying for the Champions League.
And while insisting he was content with his current ranks, the United boss left the door open for potential late incomings.
He added: “But, of course, we are Manchester United, and we are always looking for improvement. And when there is the opportunity, we will strike in the last two weeks.”
United will look to make it two wins from two to start their Premier League campaign when they face Tottenham in north London this weekend.
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