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Manchester United transfer window: Prioritising positions of need in summer market

By Vatsal Gupta

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Erik ten Hag, head coach of Manchester United looks on ahead of the Pre-Season friendly match between Melbourne Victory and Manchester United at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 15, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Erik ten Hag, head coach of Manchester United looks on ahead of the Pre-Season friendly match between Melbourne Victory and Manchester United at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 15, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images) /
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Manchester United
Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen of Manchester United. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

Second priority- Central Midfielder

Ten Hag’s midfield has been ravaged by injuries and suspensions this season. That has laid bare the startling drop-off in quality from starters to backups.

A progressive defensive midfielder who can take the ball from centre-backs and carry it through the middle is a crucial part of Erik Ten Hag’s teams. The Dutch manager has tried to get around this issue by playing Bruno Fernandes deeper. Christian Eriksen has been overworked this season for the same reason.

As good as Casemiro has been, he is renowned more for his ball-winning skills than distribution. An ideal Ten Hag team will have Casemiro as a sitting midfielder, screening the CBs, with Eriksen and the progressive midfielder playing as free 8s in a 4-3-3.

It’s the main reason why United spent the whole summer chasing Frenkie de Jong last year. An intelligent buy, like Matteo Pessina or Marcelo Brozovic, could be the answer this year. They are also reportedly eyeing a move for Gabri Veiga of Celta Vigo, further stressing the need for upgrade.