Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag decides four signings in order of preference

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly planning to make four signings this summer and he even devised a preferred order of preference. The Dutch tactician has overseen huge progress at Old Trafford in his debut season in English football, delivering a credible top-four finish and the Carabao Cup.

While there is a sense of frustration that United were unable to beat rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley, there is optimism the campaign can now be used as a platform to build upon.

According to The Independent, Ten Hag wants to sign a striker, midfielder, goalkeeper and winger to bolster his ranks this summer.

A new centre-forward is the clear priority and could represent the final piece of the jigsaw for United as they attempt to close the gap on Manchester City and Arsenal next season.

The report also references that Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is a long-term target although he is not thought to be a priority signing alongside the main four positions of interest.

Talks are continuing behind the scenes over the potential sale of United as Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe wait for communication from Raine on behalf of the Glazers.

Yet the process is now likely to impact United’s immediate transfer plans as extensive planning has already taken place between Ten Hag, football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher.

United appear to have conceded defeat in their attempts to entice Harry Kane into a move to Old Trafford.

The England captain has refused to provide clear indications that he is willing to leave Tottenham this summer in pursuit of a new challenge.

While he is also yet to discuss the prospect of extending his Spurs contract, it seems highly likely that he will remain in north London this summer.

Real Madrid are also interested and Spurs would prefer to sell to a foreign club, if they are to sell at all.

Randal Kolo Muani, Victor Osimhen, Goncalo Ramos and Rasmus Hojlund are the other names of interest to Ten Hag, who is expected to sell Anthony Martial after also deciding against the permanent signing of Wout Weghorst.

United are also tracking a host of names in midfield, not least Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount.

Talks have now been opened with the Blues over a deal but there is still some distance between the club’s valuations of the England international.

Chelsea want around £70m for Mount, who has already agreed personal terms ahead of a move to Old Trafford.

United have also been linked with the likes of Adrien Rabiot, Declan Rice and Sofyan Amrabat in recent weeks.

At the back, Napoli defender Kim Min-jae is believed to be United’s top defensive target as Harry Maguire edges closer to the exit door.