Erik ten Hag issues transfer message to Manchester United board

Erik ten Hag has reiterated Manchester United "need more options" for their squad as they approach the final month of the transfer window.

United have signed left-back Tyrell Malacia, centre-back Lisandro Martinez and playmaker Christian Eriksen but are short of a central midfielder and forward.

The club are persisting with a protracted move for the Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and enquired about Ajax forward Antony but were put off by his €80million valuation.

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With Cristiano Ronaldo absent indefinitely, United lack depth in their forward department and their midfield department has been an issue for more than a year.

Ten Hag clarified Eriksen had been recruited to reinforce the midfield but insisted United must strengthen their squad before the window closes on September 1.

"We signed Eriksen for the midfield department, so we are really happy with that," Ten Hag said. "And yes, I am really happy also with our performances of our midfield department and offensive department at this moment.

"But I also know about this season - we talk about it in Bangkok and Melbourne - it's 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 we also need the right players.

"There is a reason in a number of games you need more options in offence, clear. I think it's vital if you want to get success, the season is really long but we still also have time to fill that in.

"Back in Manchester Eriksen, Martinez will join in, we have more options, I think