Erik ten Hag strengthened his Man United team at Old Trafford in preparation for the 2023–24 season by bringing in seven new players.
Erik ten Hag had a busy summer in the transfer market for Manchester United.
Seven newcomers entered Old Trafford with the intention of building on the team’s third-place Premier League result and Carabao Cup victory from the previous season. Fans of Manchester United won’t be dreaming of domestic and European dominance after a lackluster start to the season, but they will be hoping for better once the new players get settled.
Last season, the Reds were engaged in a four-front battle, but this year, Ten Hag and his squad will face new challenges as they compete in the Champions League. It was necessary to raise the caliber of the team, and during the off-season, United achieved just that.
MEN Sport has ranked the Reds’ summer signings now that the window is closed.
When he joined United for €5 million on deadline day, few people were familiar with the Turk. Simply put, after allowing David de Gea and Dean Henderson leave, Ten Hag needed another goalkeeper on the roster.
Another goalkeeper on this list has assumed the role of indisputable first choice and is expected to play the majority of the games this season. If Andre Onana left for the AFCON, Bayindir would still be able to contribute for United in the domestic cups and league.
Given Evans’ age and his performance for Leicester City last season, the move is a little odd. It is questionable planning to spend so much money on transfers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired and still start one of his academy products in defense against Arsenal. Evans does offer experience and in-depth understanding of the club, though, which are qualities that cannot be purchased. This season, no one anticipates the 35-year-old to be competing for a regular starting position.
Reguilon, like Bayindir, was contracted as a last-ditch effort rather than as a long-term solution. Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw’s injuries compelled Old Trafford management to search for a left-back.
Diogo Dalot, a right-footer, was favoured against Arsenal, but Ten Hag could give the Spaniard a chance soon. Reguilon could prove to be a wise acquisition because he has Champions League and Premier League experience from his time with Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Amrabat is probably best known for his no-nonsense performances at the World Cup, which helped Morocco advance to the semifinals for the first time ever. The first few games made it evident that United might need some defensive balance in midfield in addition to Casemiro, and Amrabat can offer just that.
Spending the extra €20 million to sign the 27-year-old next summer will be a no-brainer if he turns out to be a smash. Amrabat has all the makings of an underappreciated Old Trafford hero.
To be honest, Mount hasn’t really stood out in his first few games.
You could wonder if United got this one right when you consider the exorbitant sum for a guy who has one year left on his contract. Snatching an England international from a direct competitor is a significant coup, especially considering how unhappy Chelsea fans were to see him go. Although Mount’s future at Old Trafford is still up in the air, at 24, his greatest years should be spent donning a United jersey.
Hojlund might easily win the top spot on this list at the end of the season if his stunning cameo against Arsenal is any indication. It goes without saying that Ten Hag prefers a potent striker to captain his front line; in January, he signed Wout Weghorst to fill in temporarily.
After a successful debut season at Atalanta, the management has confidence in the young Dane to score goals. Hojlund has a huge challenge by representing one of the most expensive teams in the world, but United supporters are counting on him to meet it head-on.
The 20-year-old has more time during the international break to prepare physically for the crucial match against Brighton next weekend while on service for Denmark. Despite being signed as a potential player, United needs Hojlund to start performing now because they are short on offensive options.
The important acquisition that was required to update United’s defensive line was Onana. De Gea’s ten years of dedication to Manchester gained him recognition, but his inability to play out from the back required attention.
The Cameroonian international’s performance levels improved last season as he assisted Inter Milan in reaching the Champions League final, according to Ten Hag. With his passing range, Onana should personalize the United goalkeeper’s shirt and give the Reds a new dimension.
The standard for United goalkeeping in the Premier League era has been set by Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar, and De Gea himself. Onana must perform at that level if Ten Hag wants to lead the team back to the pinnacle of English football.
