Erik ten Hag endured a difficult first summer in charge of United despite a promising pre-season campaign. The Dutchman had to wait for the majority of the window to get all his signings through the door.
Tyrell Malacia, the former Feyenoord defender, was the only new signing taking part in United’s tour of Thailand and Australia. Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez featured in the final friendlies but the other three arrivals, Casemiro, Antony and Martin Dubravka, were unavailable when the season started.
In total, United signed six first-team players this summer in what can be considered the first phase of Ten Hag’s rebuild. Additionally, 11 first-team players were let go.
Speaking after his side secured their first Europa League win of the season on Thursday, Ten Hag admitted that he is not ruling out bringing more players in during the upcoming January window – the next phase of the Dutchman’s rebuild.
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“Always to use such breaks [is] useful,” Ten Hag told MUTV on his side’s 17-day break before the Premier League game against Manchester City, according to the Manchester Evening News.
“We have many meetings, we have to improve the structures in and around the club, we will do. We will also look to the window in January or next summer already but also to improve our way of playing by making plans and, of course, this coming period with every third day a game we have to get ready for that.”
SN’s verdict…
It’s still early in the season but the early indications are that Ten Hag’s signings have been carefully selected and he clearly knew exactly what United were lacking.
The additions of Martinez and Malacia, in particular, seem to have revitalised United and the Old Trafford club will feel comfortable with Ten Hag leading recruitment going forward.
