Manchester United is linked with almost every top player in the world during every transfer window. From Mbappe to Bafatimbi Gomis, there is no shortage of Manchester United targets. However, we have gotten a general idea of who Ten Hag wants for his first season at the helm of the biggest club in England.
Frenkie de Jong
Manchester United was given a rare opportunity to sign a world-class player who has worked with their new manager in the past (and during arguably the player's best portion of his career) for a decent fee. Frenkie de Jong is undoubtedly a world-class player who would instantly improve a deflated Manchester United midfield. Capable of playing as an 8, or even further back as a deep-lying playmaker, ideally Frenkie would partner a new defensive midfielder who would join this window with De Jong. However, if the deal for De Jong does go through, I feel as though a separate defensive midfielder is unlikely.
De Jong himself would clearly be an upgrade on almost every United midfielder, except for maybe Bruno Fernandes if he finds his best form. De Jong is capable of playing the highly technical role in midfield that he played under Ten Hag at Ajax. He is also a very smart replacement for Paul Pogba, but arguably is a better fit in the United midfield than the Frenchman.
De Jong is a must-buy for United to repair a dysfunctional midfield, so we give this transfer a 9/10, simply because the fee will be around $75m.
Jurrien Timber
This deal would have likely been done if Louis Van Gaal had not been manager of the Dutch national team. Timber can play at CB and RB, two positions in which United desperately needs improvements. Timber, like De Jong, is an Ajax player who had starred under Ten Hag and would fit like a glove into Ten Hag's United.
It is not so wise I think (to move to United). He has to play. - Louis Van Gaal
He would offer much-needed competition for United's CBs, who have almost unanimously been out of form this season, and is undoubtedly an improvement on Dalot and Wan-Bissaka at RB. United fans are wary that the player is listening to Van Gaal's warnings, as this signals that Timber may not believe that he has the quality to overtake United's out-of-form defenders. Despite this, I still believe that Timber would be an excellent signing who would improve the United back line.
I give the deal a 7/10 because Timber can be physically outmatched, however, due to recent developments with Van Gaal, it does look very unlikely.
Christian Eriksen
If you're noticing a running theme here, then good. United's Dutch manager appears to be primarily focusing on players with Eredeivise experience, and Christian Eriksen fits the bill. But more importantly, Eriksen is a world-class attacking midfielder who will give Bruno Fernandes both competition and a warning to find his best form.
Although Bruno Fernandes is a world-class player, Eriksen is absolutely capable of taking his position. Eriksen offers a different dimension to the United midfield that the likes of Fernandes simply don't possess. The Danish playmaker is a highly technical player who offers more security on the ball than Fernandes. Under Ten Hag, United will force the play far less, as they did through Fernandes who seemed to shoot or try a killer ball every time he received it. Eriksen is capable of allowing for this tactical change, as he possesses the ability in small spaces as well as the quality of a final ball to allow Ten Hag's men to keep possession, while still offering a threat in transition.
Eriksen has interest from Brentford and the top London clubs, so it appears the decision rests with him. On a free transfer, this is absolutely a 10/10, but United would still need at least another midfielder to play further back.
David Raum
When Luke Shaw is fit, I would argue that left-back is probably the area of least concern in the United backline. However, Shaw has been unable to consistently take hold of the position for almost a decade, so it is logical that United has explored other options.
David Raum is a superb attacking full-back. If you watched this summer's nations league, you would have seen his quality whilst playing for Germany. The German registered 11 assists for Hoffenheim this season, and the rest of his attacking stats are simply jaw-dropping.
Where issues may arise, is that Hoffenheim primarily played a 3 at the back last season, with Raum as a wing-back. This is why his defensive stats are significantly worse than his offensive stats, and he was also playing for a mid-table Bundesliga club. However, he did play as the LB in a back 4 for Germany, where he excelled and grabbed the attention of fans from many clubs.
At a fee of $30-35m, Raum would be a solid signing in a position with growing importance in the modern game. Ten Hag's fullbacks need to have plenty of attacking qualities, and Raum clearly fits the bill. I would give this signing a 7/10, but there is a worry that the link to United could just be the bait to get Borussia Dortmund to move for Raum more quickly.
Antony
United has long been devoid of a left-footed player who could play on the right. Not since Giggs have United truly had the player they need on the RW, despite trying with the likes of Angel di Maria. Amad Diallo and Jadon Sancho could one day fill that role, but the former is not ready, and the ladder looks more comfortable at the moment on the left.
This brings us to yet another Ajax star, Antony. The Brazilian has been a star under Ten Hag this past season, and it is clear to see why the new United manager wants him to bolster United's attack. The winger has scored 8 goals and added 4 assists, with performances in the Champions League highlighting an excellent campaign. Much like Raum, Antony's stats highlight his obvious attacking qualities (these are only from the UCL).
A goal-scoring, tricky winger on either side, when combined with Jadon Sancho, would make a devastating front 3, especially considering Marcus Rashford, Antony Martial, and Elanga is all waiting in the wings, desperate for chances to prove that they have what it takes to play.
Reports suggest that United officials will be in Amsterdam tomorrow to get the deal over the line, so this one could be confirmed soon.
Antony can drift out of games at times and can struggle in the press, but with United's resources, Ten Hag should be able to get even better and more consistent performances out of the Brazilian than he did at Ajax. This deal gets an 8/10.
Notable Mentions
Lisandro Martinez
Yet another Ajax player linked with United, the Argentinian is essentially the next target if the Timber deal is ruled out entirely. Martinez and Timber were the first choice partnership at Ajax last season, and Ten Hag clearly trusts them both. Martinez, however, has added benefits of versatility. Like Timber, he can play at fullback, albeit on the left, not the right, but crucially he can also step into defensive midfield. In the 19-20 season, he actually played alongside Donny Van de Beek. Martinez also is well known for his ability to find a killer pass from the back, which could offer another dimension to a United attack that will be filled with players who can run in behind. 7/10
Tyrell Malacia
Like Martinez, Malacia is likely an alternative to another target, in this case, Raum. Malacia has been very impressive for Feyenoord this season, particularly in the Conference League final, despite failing to win the trophy. A modern, quick, and difficult-to-beat full-back who would offer much-needed competition for Shaw, and likely see the end of Telles' poor stint at the club. While he is quality, he might not be quite ready for a move to one of the top clubs in world football. 6/10
Nkunku
A personal favorite of mine. United was more heavily linked with the Frenchman earlier in the window and during the season whilst Rangnick was in charge, but now it looks like United will push for Antony as the primary offensive signing. Still, he is an incredible player who could play anywhere in the United attack. 35 goals and 16 assists speak for themselves.
Conclusion
United clearly needs to make quite a few signings to get back on track. Ten Hag is primarily focusing on more technically gifted players on the ball, as opposed to previous signings such as Wan-Bissaka and Maguire, who were bought for their more physical and off-the-ball prowess. Although no deals have been made yet, I would expect at least 4 new faces in the United dressing room by the start of the Premier League season.
