Erik ten Hag could make two signings in the January transfer window that would make it hard to imagine Manchester United finishing outside of the Premier League’s top four this season. Cody Gakpo is at the forefront of links and would hand United’s bid to return to the Champions League a meteoric boost.
Reports claim PSV Eindhoven could cash in on the Netherlands forward in January rather than the summer, as initially planned, amid a sensational World Cup campaign. And United boast a fantastic relationship with his agents, who just so happen also to represent Ten Hag.
Express Sport runs through how United could line for the second half of the season with Gakpo and one more exciting young talent.
Goalkeeper – De Gea
David de Gea has played in all but one game this season – the 4-2 League Cup win against Aston Villa – and has shown improvement with the ball at his feet under Ten Hag’s coaching. He will continue to play a crucial role in what could be his final campaign at Old Trafford if United don’t trigger his one-year contract extension option next summer.
JUST IN: Man Utd’s dig at Ronaldo as Portugal star nears lucrative transfer
Defence – Frimpong, Varane, Martinez, Shaw
With Aaron-Bissaka one foot out the exit door, Ten Hag wants to sign a replacement right-back and has landed on Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong as his first choice. Negotiations for the 21-year-old will reportedly begin after his World Cup involvement and could lead to him sharing the workload with Dalot.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez will continue their formidable partnership at centre-back if the former can remain fit on France duty in Qatar. And Luke Shaw will hope to carry his form for club and country into 2023, sharing the left-back berth with Tyrell Malacia.
READ MORE: Man Utd transfer target breaks down in tears after suffering injury
Midfield – Casemiro, Eriksen; Fernandes
Casemiro has been one of United’s many players flourishing at the World Cup, and he’ll slot straight back into the heart of Ten Hag’s side upon his return to Manchester. Christian Eriksen has helped transform the Red Devils’ midfield and has been one of the Dutch coach’s most-used players this term.
Bruno Fernandes has arguably been the player of the World Cup so far and could prosper with Cristiano Ronaldo removed from the picture. The Portuguese playmaker has always performed better as United’s main focal point, rather than Ronaldo, and will continue to captain the team in Harry Maguire’s absence.
Attack – Antony, Rashford, Gakpo
After he missed the final few weeks before the World Cup break, fans are itching to see Antony back in action on the right flank. Marcus Rashford and Gakpo are joint-top goalscorers alongside Kylian Mbappe, and both could alternate between left-wing and upfront in Ten Hag’s system.
Gakpo registered 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 PSV appearances this season before netting the opening goal in each of their World Cup Group A matches. Snapping up the 23-year-old for around £40million could prove to be a coup years down the line.
Think you can predict the World Cup Golden Boot Winner? If so you could WIN £150 in Nike vouchers! CLICK HERE
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
