Erik ten Hag can copy Frenkie de Jong transfer plan to solve another Manchester United problem

Despite Manchester United's desperate need to get new faces through the door this summer, their bloated squad is continuing to make life difficult for them.

Manager Erik ten Hag, who will take charge of his first game - a pre-season friendly against Liverpool - in Bangkok on July 12, is desperate to add to his squad and transform the club's fortunes after the nightmares of last season. However, although the transfer window has only been open for just over a fortnight, United have not come out firing, with the supporters still eagerly awaiting the first signing of the summer.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been locked in as the club's top target, as they look to strengthen their midfield options, while the prospect of soon-to-be free agent Christian Eriksen moving to Old Trafford hangs in the balance. He is understood to be weighing up offers from both United and current club Brentford.

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United's need to strengthen in midfield this summer is a leading priority, with it having been the problematic area that plagued them throughout last term. But it isn't just in the centre of the park where Ten Hag needs new blood.

The Dutchman is keen to add to several areas of his squad, not least at centre-back. United, experiencing their worst campaign defensively since the 1978/89 season last term, shipped 69 goals in all competitions, highlighting exactly why it is an area that has been identified as a weak spot.

As revealed by the Manchester Evening News earlier this month, Ajax ace Jurrien Timber has been highlighted as their top target, but any deal to bring him to Old Trafford could prove to be difficult