Manchester United’s Summer Plans: Uncertainty and Challenges Ahead
Manchester United’s summer plans have been shrouded in uncertainty and challenges. With the long-awaited takeover yet to take place, manager Erik ten Hag is left with limited changes to the squad and an unresolved ownership situation. The Dutchman is facing a difficult few weeks as he prepares to return to Carrington for pre-season training.
Ownership Uncertainty
The Glazer family’s ownership of Manchester United has been met with protests from the 1958 group. The assessment of “strategic alternatives” for United has been ongoing for 231 days since it was launched. Sources have described the process as “complicated” and pointed out deals can take much longer than the United one to thrash out. Until it is decided who is running the club over the long term, strategy and direction are missing.
Finding a Centre-Forward
Ten Hag’s biggest task of the summer is to find a centre-forward. Harry Kane is the clear first choice, but initial soundings suggested luring the England skipper north from Tottenham would be impossible at a price United could afford. Instead, Ten Hag is looking at younger options such as Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund and Randal Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Goalkeeping Issues
Even if the uncertainty over David de Gea’s future ends with him remaining at United, Ten Hag must be looking further ahead. Andre Onana’s performance for Inter Milan in their Champions League final defeat by Manchester City was an example of what a modern-day goalkeeper is expected to produce with the ball at his feet. De Gea simply cannot reach the same level on a consistent basis, and until that flaw in Ten Hag’s squad is resolved it is difficult to see how his team can deliver the performances demanded by the Dutchman.
Can United Sell Well?
In addition to frequent examples of Manchester United buying poorly in recent years, there is plenty of proof they also find it difficult to sell well. Given they need to generate money in the transfer market to bolster Ten Hag’s transfer budget, there is increased scrutiny on the business football director John Murtough can conduct. The futures of 12 senior players are open to question, including Brandon Williams, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles, Anthony Elanga, Donny van de Beek, Fred, Scott McTominay, Dean Henderson, Hannibal Mejbri, Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial.
Conclusion
Ten Hag has his ideas on how to improve Manchester United but he needs the support of his staff and players to do better. Until the ownership situation is resolved and a centre-forward is found, Ten Hag will be facing a difficult few weeks. In addition, Manchester United must also sell well in order to generate money for Ten Hag’s transfer budget. If these issues are not addressed, Manchester United may find themselves repeating past mistakes and falling back just as far as they have in previous seasons.