The Dutchman is keen to strengthen in the January window (Picture: Getty)
Erik ten Hag has already decided his transfer priorities for the January window and will be given funds once Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sealed his Manchester United takeover deal, according to reports.
The Ineos founder, who is Britain’s richest man, is on the verge of purchasing a 25 per cent stake in the club and has also negotiated control of sporting matters.
Ratcliffe wants to begin investing immediately both on and off the pitch and, even though a new sporting director may not be installed in time, is willing to back Ten Hag in the January window.
According to The Sun, Ten Hag feels his injury-hit, underperforming squad are in need of a ‘reset’ and wants at least two new additions.
The first is a new full-back, with his options having been severely hampered in defence due to the prolonged absence of both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, though it is at right-back he wants to strengthen.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka had previously been identified as a potential weak point in Ten Hag’s system but he has improved immeasurably and been one of the club’s top performers over the past 12 months or so.
Diogo Dalot continues to provide a solid and reliable option on both flanks, meanwhile, but Ten Hag is thought to want a more adventurous, technical defender.
Wan-Bissaka’s place could be under threat again (Picture: Getty)
United have been linked with a host of right-backs in the past and are long-time admirers of Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong – though the Bundesliga contenders are extremely unlikely to sell in the middle of the season.
A new winger is also a big priority for Ten Hag, ideally someone capable of playing on either flank, with the Dutchman unhappy with the lack of output from his current selection of wide-men.
Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay are United’s joint-top scorers in the Premier League, with Marcus Rashford only netting once and Alejandro Garnacho and Antony yet to register a goal or an assist.
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Jadon Sancho has been ostracised from the squad for refusing to apologise to his manager after publicly disputing the reasons behind his non-selection against Arsenal and could be offloaded in January, with clubs in Saudi Arabia reportedly interested.
Although January is generally considered a difficult time to do business, Ratcliffe is willing to make funds available if his takeover deal is ratified in time.
While United have underwhelmed this season, particularly in Europe, they are only seven points adrift of top spot in the Premier League and have won four of their last five league matches.
Ten Hag feels his side can once again secure a place in the top four once all their players are back fit again, particularly if they can secure a couple of new faces in January too.
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The Dutchman is keen to strengthen in the January window.
