Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has listed what the club needs to break into the Premier League top four next season.
The Red Devils finished eighth in the English top flight in the 2023/24 campaign.
United must overcome Manchester City in the FA Cup final today to guarantee European football for next season.
Ten Hag told Voetbal International (via TheEuropeanLad): “We need to sign an extra striker in the summer.
“And if we can sign another central midfielder and a replacement for [Raphael] Varane, things will look good again. If the team remains fit we can try and aim for the top four again.
“The injuries have been really crazy. Not long ago I had to start my 15th different centre-back duo of the season.
“I have had 33 different defensive lines this season. Sofyan Amrabat had to play left-back four times.
“We have had injuries all over the pitch. Casemiro has been out for a long time.
“Rasmus Hojlund, the striker we bought, suffered from three injuries and it can keep going on and on. This is the core story of our season.”
Erik ten Hag is spot on with his demands from Man Utd
Injuries to key players have severely hampered United’s performances this season. It has dragged the team down and prevented them from reaching their full potential.
Ten Hag has been forced into a relentless juggling act, constantly adjusting the line-up.
The left-back spot was a major worry with no specialist available for the second half of the season.
The absence of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia left a glaring gap in the team’s defensive structure.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diogo Dalot, Jonny Evans, Sofyan Amrabat and Victor Lindelof were forced to play out of position to fill the gap.
The problem also highlights the need for more quality back-up in several positions.
Hojlund has great unearthed potential but signing another striker should be one of the top agenda of the club.
With Casemiro getting exposed due to his lack of pace this season, the Red Devils need to bring in a robust holding midfielder.
A proper number six is crucial to maintain balance in the team.
The performances of Rodri at Manchester City and Declan Rice at Arsenal underscore why acquiring a top-tier holding midfielder should be United’s priority.
Raphael Varane will leave Old Trafford after today’s FA Cup clash. Jonny Evans’ contract expires next month and Victor Lindelof’s United future is also uncertain.
Depending on the number of outgoings, the Red Devils will need to strengthen their defence in the summer transfer window.
