Erik ten Hag’s Summer Challenges: Rebuilding Manchester United

After an underwhelming 2023/2024 season, Erik ten Hag was expected to vacate his position as Manchester United’s head coach. However, the FA Cup victory against Man City in the final turned everything upside down. The Red Devils showcased an excellent performance, clinching the title and granting ten Hag a reprieve.

Nonetheless, the same mistakes won’t be tolerated in the upcoming season. The team was lacklustre in the Premier League, failed to advance past the Champions League group stage, and ten Hag struggled to find the ideal squad. Therefore, the Dutch manager must address and rectify these issues to ensure a more successful campaign ahead.

Finding the Optimal Defence

Last season, Manchester United faced significant challenges with injuries. Lisandro Martinez was sidelined for most of the season, while Raphael Varane struggled with form and fitness. These issues forced Erik ten Hag to frequently change formations, even deploying Casemiro as a makeshift centre-back at times.

Another setback was Tyrel Malacia’s absence. After signing him from Feyenoord, the Dutchman has not featured in a single Premier League fixture during the 2023/2024 campaign.

Erik ten Hag’s primary focus in the upcoming season should be solidifying the defence. The recent acquisition of youngster Leny Yoro is a step in the right direction. 

Manchester United conceded many goals and often committed basic errors in the penalty area. Establishing a consistent and reliable backline will be crucial for ten Hag’s plans, as it will provide the foundation needed to improve the team’s overall performance.

Prioritizing the Offence

The addition of Joshua Zirzkee is indeed a boost to the attack, but it remains to be seen which formation Erik ten Hag will deploy. It’s likely that either Zirzkee or Hojlund will have to start from the bench, as accommodating both in the starting XI could be challenging.

Bruno Fernandes was a key player last season, while Alejandro Garnacho had stellar displays in certain matches. However, Antony failed to meet expectations and Marcus Rashford was far from his best form.

Forming an effective attacking unit will be a significant challenge for ten Hag. The ongoing transfer window presents an opportunity for the Red Devils to bolster their offensive options. 

Selling Unnecessary Players

Manchester United have a surplus of players who have struggled to make an impact, and the management should prioritize offloading these underperformers.

Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho are potential candidates for departure. While Sancho showed tremendous promise at Dortmund, he has yet to replicate that form at Manchester.

A squad overhaul will be another priority for ten Hag. By selling these players, he can generate funds for future transfers, allowing for strategic reinvestment to strengthen the squad.

Strengthening the Bench

Without proper rotation and a robust bench, success is hard to achieve. Manchester United’s player shortage has troubled them, as they struggled to adequately replace key players in various positions.

The most glaring shortfall is in the defense. Fullbacks lack suitable replacements, and even minor injuries lead to tactical disruptions for ten Hag. Ideally, the club should focus on reinforcing several key areas: goalkeeper, defensive midfielder, strong winger, and left-back.