Man Utd's five worst decisions since Erik ten Hag took over
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has already settled on one of his transfer priorities in the 2024 summer window after a private meeting with club chiefs, according to reports. The Red Devils are plotting centre-back upgrades at the end of Ten Hag’s second season in charge, with three targets already identified.
Ten Hag has overseen heavy investment in United’s goalkeeper, midfield and attacking departments since his arrival 18 months ago.
But the Dutchman has only added Lisandro Martinez to his first-choice defence in a £57million deal from Ajax, joining Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Diogo Dalot.
He has also recruited backup left-back Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon on an emergency loan.
Amid United’s leaky start to the season, Ten Hag has reportedly turned his attention toward bolstering his defensive ranks again.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United laid out plans to sign a new important centre-back within the new two transfer windows.
It’s claimed a January deal would prove difficult, given the club’s tight budget due to FFP limitations, but eyes are on next summer to reinforce Ten Hag’s backline.
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Romano claims that OGC Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo remains a target after United held discussions over a potential deal this summer.
Todibo featured on a shortlist of possible replacements for Harry Maguire before he rejected a £30million transfer to West Ham United.
United are reportedly aware that the 23-year-old would be keen on a switch should they return to the table next year.
Romano adds that Antonio Silva, 19, and Goncalo Inacio, 22, are also the subject of interest from Old Trafford.
Ten Hag has four right-sided centre-halves at his disposal – Varane, Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans – compared to solely Martinez on the left.
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Therefore, it may come as a surprise that two of the reported names on his shortlist – Todibo and Silva – are also right-sided.
Ten Hag could view both as long-term replacements for Varane and Maguire in an attempt to freshen up his defensive options.
Varane’s injury unreliability isn’t going away, most recently missing Saturday’s 2-1 win against Brentford with a ‘minor issue’, while Maguire has fallen behind Lindelof in the pecking order.
There could be plans for United to recruit both a right and left-sided centre-back next summer to also add competition for Martinez.
But more funds are likely to go toward a right-sided name, given Ten Hag will view Martinez, 25, as a long-term fixture of his project.
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