Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes new signings are “vital” if his first season at the club is to be a success.
Charged with overseeing a big rebuild at Old Trafford, the demanding Dutchman’s meticulous work has been clear during the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.
Tyrell Malacia was the only new face on a trip that ends with Saturday’s friendly against Aston Villa in Perth, but deals for Christian Eriksen and Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez were struck during their time Down Under.
Earlier in the tour Ten Hag said that midfield and attack were priority positions to strengthen and he reiterated on Friday the need to bring in new faces despite some promising signs on tour. “We sign Eriksen for the midfield department,” the United boss said. “We are really happy with that. “Yes, I am really happy with the performance from our midfield and offence department in this moment. “But I also know this season – we talk about it in Bangkok and Melbourne as well – is a lot of games, the World Cup, so we need more options where you have a good team. “And it’s not only about the team, you need a good squad to get the right results at the end of the season. “So we have to strengthen the squad even more and we are looking around, but also we need the right players.” The protracted pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong continues and Ajax forward Antony remains of interest to a club that has other irons in the fire.