Why Manchester United Need To Sign These Three Players This Summer

With Ralf Rangnick’s surprise exit from his consultancy role at Manchester United, more emphasis is now put on Erik ten Hag to be a leading protagonist in the Red Devils’ summer activity.

Of course the Dutch coach would have had a large say in any event, but with the German’s departure, it is clear that the club are now giving ten Hag complete autonomy over the structure of the team and what he sees best.

There needs to be a huge shift in Manchester United’s transfer policy this summer, with the focus on primarily younger players who are determined to take the next step.

With that being said, here are three players that should be considered priorities to get in at Old Trafford for next season:

Frenkie de Jong

Club: FC Barcelona

Perhaps the most difficult transfer of the three listed, Frenkie de Jong would be a statement signing at Manchester United this summer.

Helped by FC Barcelona’s financial woes, the Red Devils look to pounce and prize the Dutch midfield maestro away from the Camp Nou and into Old Trafford.

It is reported that ten Hag’s new club have already been in touch with officials from the Catalan club and agreed, in principle, a deal of circa €75 million plus add-ons for de Jong’s signature.

But it is the next step that is the hardest: convincing the player to leave. While ten Hag is of course going to be a major attraction, de Jong has a comfortable life in Spain, playing Champions League football regularly and challenging for major honours. At Manchester United, this is firmly a rebuilding process.

De Jong would be a major piece in the jigsaw puzzle to fix the Red Devils, but the lack of top-tier European football is clearly not helping.

Manchester United desperately need a defensive midfielder and de Jong would be the perfect option; a player who knows ten Hag’s system and way of coaching from the off is only going to be a major asset in helping turning the club’s fortunes around quickly.

Jurrien Timber

Club: AFC Ajax

Another disciple of ten Hag, Jurrien Timber has had a stellar season at AFC Ajax during the 2021/22 campaign.

Operating at either centre back or right back, Timber has showcased his versatility in defence, which would be a huge bonus to ten Hag at Manchester United.

It is yet to be decided whether the Red Devils will sign an out-and-out replacement for Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer, or whether to park the position for the time being and focus on the other priorities needed (centre back, central midfield and centre forward).

The Netherlands international is likely to cost around £25 – 30 million this summer with two years left on his current contract at Ajax.

The soon-to-be 21 year old still has areas of his game which need improving on – such as his ability to remain calm and composed in possession – but has the raw attributes and potential that could see his stock skyrocket.

Ten Hag likes to play with a high line, which is why a change to Manchester United’s current defence is necessary. With Timber’s athleticism and recovery pace, he is an ideal candidate at Old Trafford.

Darwin Nunez

Club: SL Benfica

The Uruguayan centre forward has burst onto the European stage this season with some outstanding performances in the Champions League.

34 goals and four assists throughout all competitions in 41 appearances illustrates how deadly Darwin Nunez has been in front of goal.

At 22 years of age, the best is still to come, which is why Benfica are pricing their jewel at £65 million, plus add-ons. A hefty fee for a player who was bought for £20 million just two years’ ago.

Ten Hag needs a new centre forward at the very minimum given he currently only has Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line, which is not feasible given the Portugal international will be turning 38 in February of next year.

While it is a big outlay for Nunez, Manchester United should be receiving the best years of his career with further development to his overall game.

At the moment, Nunez is a fantastic finisher and operates very well when there is space in behind the defence, but his close control needs a vast amount of work on.

Time will tell whether Man United see this as too much of a problem to pull the trigger on him, but there is no doubting that Nunez has the capabilities to continue to improve and become one of Europe’s leading centre forwards.