Dimitar Berbatov names surprising Manchester United transfer priority under Erik ten Hag

Dimitar Berbatov has emphasised the importance of Manchester United getting their recruitment correct this summer to ensure Erik ten Hag gets off to the best possible start as manager.

Ten Hag, 52, was officially unveiled as United's new boss at an Old Trafford press conference on Monday. Answering questions for around 20 minutes, the Dutchman spoke well and looked comfortable in his new surroundings.

He watched Sunday's Premier League finale against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park from the stands — so will be acutely aware of the size of the challenge awaiting him once the players report back to Carrington for pre-season training on June 27. The club finished sixth in the 2021/22 season and will be desperate to mount a top-four push next term, although not too much pressure should be applied to Ten Hag's shoulders too soon.

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The Dutchman has arrived at Old Trafford with a reputation for winning trophies, leading Ajax to six major honours during his time in charge at the Johan Cruyff Arena. But even though United will be looking to make progress next season, former striker Berbatov believes Ten Hag will need time to adapt to life in England, while also stressing how important it will be for the club to perfect their recruitment strategy.

Asked if Ten Hag will need time to adapt to the Premier League, Berbatov told the Monday Night Club: "Yes. I said when United appointed Ralf Rangnick — with his reputation and what he's built — he'd still never managed a club of United's stature and that was a challenge.

"We saw it was a challenge and now Ten Hag comes with a reputation for managing one of the biggest clubs in the world in