Devils’ evolution
Man Utd to give Ten Hag ‘significant transfer funds’ but reject Rangnick claim
MANCHESTER UNITED have told incoming manager Erik ten Hag that he will receive “significant funds” to begin his rebuild during the summer transfer window.
However, the club have distanced themselves from Ralf Rangnick’s claim that he could make as many as 10 signings.
Ten Hag will inherit a squad in disarray amid poor performances and results on the pitch and uncertain futures off it.
But he has been informed of the budget he will have to work within when commencing an “evolution rather than revolution” at Old Trafford in June.
According to ESPN, United’s recruitment team are planning to provide Ten Hag with three new signings in his first transfer window at the helm.
The Red Devils will back him with between £100 million and £150 million (RM555 - RM832m) – a budget that will be boosted by player sales and freed-up room on the wage bill.
Ten Hag has the freedom to influence shortlists for positions he deems priorities to strengthen, and he’ll get a veto on any potential signings.
But United have described Rangnick’s suggestion that the Dutchman’s additions could hit double figures as “highly unlikely”.
Whilst several signings may not be on the cards, it’s primed to be a busy summer transfer window in terms of outgoings.
United are willing to listen to offers for five first-team stars on top of the six players set to leave on free transfers upon their contract expiry.
The report states that Aaron WanBissaka, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Alex Telles and Anthony Martial are in the shop window.
And they could join Lee Grant, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani through the exit door.
United are thought to be prioritising a centreback, defensive midfielder and striker ahead of the 2022-23 season.
There is a widespread expectation that the Ajax boss will splash his initial budget on bolstering those three positions before using funds accumulated from player sales to acquire Pogba’s replacement.
Whilst four signings isn’t quite the total touted by Rangnick, United have learned the hard way in recent years that quality often trumps quantity in the market.
The new Manchester United boss has reportedly scheduled one-on-one meetings with the squad as he gears up for his new adventure in the Premier League.
Ten Hag wants to get to know the United squad as quickly as possible, with the Dutchman eager to hit the ground running.
Some squad members think Ten Hag will use the interviews to “give him an idea” over whether or not Harry Maguire will keep the armband.
The England international’s form has dropped off alarmingly in recent months and was taken out of the firing line for the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.
Maguire isn’t certain to keep the armband, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and David De Gea potential successors in the role.
A source is quoted as saying: “Erik is meticulous in his planning.
“He wants to know where everyone’s at with their mentality and situation at the club and has said he wants to discuss their futures regarding who wants to stay and who wants to go.
“He wants to give everyone a chance to discuss any issues or problems in private, before he arrives, so he can get a head start on the summer.”
It’s going to be a massive job for Ten Hag, who has been coy when quizzed on the task in hand.
And whether he can succeed where predecessors David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar
Solskjaer have failed ultimately remains to be seen.
United are next in action against Chelsea on Friday (2.45am Malaysian time). United midfielder Scott McTominay has called on his teammates to play for pride in their upcoming games.
“It is pride on the pitch – give your best, everyone,” he said. – Express
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