Erik ten Hag can repeat what he did to Arsenal last summer with Manchester United transfer

For all the intentions of going about this year’s summer window differently, Erik ten Hag may need to repeat an old ploy.

The Manchester United boss has already been making moves in the market despite the ambiguity of the ownership, and thus the transfer budget. An early enquiry for Harry Kane signalled that United would need to look at alternative options.

And so, discussions have since been held with Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta, while personal terms with Mason Mount have been agreed amid the hunt for a new midfielder.

Seven players, including Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, have been released while David de Gea seems to be on the verge of exiting upon his contract expiration as the club looks for a new No.1.

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United also need a back-up centre-half but that desire is further down the priority list. It’s expected that such a transfer would need to be facilitated by departures, of which the Reds potentially have a few.

Eric Bailly and Alex Telles are destined for the exit door, with Brandon Williams potentially following. Victor Lindelof said in March that he will “assess options” this summer but it could be club captain Harry Maguire who bows out.

None of the aforementioned would command heavy fees but together, they might be enough to fund a bid for a defender. Reports suggest Kim Min-jae is close to a Bayern Munich switch amid mooted United interest, albeit this intrigue has never been confirmed.

United could instead return to an old target they tried to lure across the North Sea last summer. Jurrien Timber has been very vocal about a potential exit this year after watching former Ajax teammate Lisandro Martinez thrive in the Premier League.

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