Alejandro Garnacho is pushing to secure a regular role under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United (Action Images via Reuters)

Erik ten Hag believes the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho has altered Manchester United’s transfer plans ahead of the summer window.

The 18-year-old was given his first-team debut last season but the Argentine has flourished after being given more playing time by Ten Hag this term.

It’s understood that United’s priority in the summer will be to sign a new striker with Harry Kane and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen both high on the club’s shortlist.

United have also looked to strengthen in central midfield and were able to complete a loan deal for Bayern Munich’s Marcel Sabitzer on deadline day.

When asked if United need to permanently sign a new central midfielder in the summer, Ten Hag replied: ‘I think our summer plans, we have an idea on the long-term [plans].

‘You will also look two, three windows ahead and so we have that long-term plan. But also, you have to revisit that plan every time because of developments.

‘For instance, who could have expected this development with Garnacho? And so this changes your approach to the window.’

Marcel Sabitzer joined Manchester United on loan from Bayern Munich on deadline day (Getty)

Ten Hag is also adamant that he is planning to rebuild United over several years.

‘I always think about the long term, in every club where I was, I have been thinking about long-term work to build a culture, to build a way of playing, to develop the players and the team obviously,’ said the United manager.

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‘I think in the long term obviously in contracts and in windows, because I think that is the [right] way.

‘Thinking about the long term and acting in the long way and so I stay also with many clubs a long time compared to nowadays. I am not here for one year, I am longer, I see it is a long-term project. To build here and how long it is you can’t see, I cant tell.’

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‘Who could have expected this development?’