Summer Rebuild for Manchester United

After a lackluster 2023/2024 season, Erik ten Hag was expected to step down as Manchester United’s head coach. However, the FA Cup triumph over Man City in the final changed the narrative. The Red Devils delivered a stellar performance, claiming the title and granting ten Hag a reprieve.

Nevertheless, the same errors will not be tolerated in the upcoming season. The team underperformed in the Premier League, failed to progress past the Champions League group stage, and struggled to find the right squad under ten Hag’s leadership. Therefore, the Dutch manager must address these issues to ensure a more successful campaign ahead.

Finding the Optimal Defence

Last season, injuries posed significant challenges for Manchester United. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane were both sidelined, leading ten Hag to frequently change formations and even deploy Casemiro as a makeshift centre-back.

Another setback was Tyrel Malacia’s absence, as he did not feature in any Premier League games last season. To address these issues, Erik ten Hag must focus on strengthening the defense, starting with the recent signing of Leny Yoro.

Prioritizing the Offence

The addition of Joshua Zirzkee boosts the attack, but the formation under ten Hag’s leadership remains to be seen. It’s possible that either Zirzkee or Hojlund will need to start from the bench, as accommodating both in the starting lineup could be challenging.

Selling Unnecessary Players

There are several underperforming players at Manchester United who should be offloaded to make room for improvements. Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood, and Jadon Sancho are among the potential candidates for departure.

A squad overhaul is necessary for ten Hag to rebuild the team. By selling these players, he can generate funds for future transfers and strategically strengthen the squad.

Strengthening the Bench

A solid bench is crucial for success, yet Manchester United’s player shortage has caused issues in rotating key players and maintaining tactical flexibility. The defense, in particular, lacks adequate replacements for fullbacks. It is essential for the club to focus on reinforcing key areas like goalkeeper, defensive midfielder, winger, and left-back.