Erik ten Hag must resist wildcard recall at Manchester United

Manchester United head into the summer transfer window with a long list of problems to solve, though there is an acceptance that not every one of them will be able to be addressed before it closes.

Ralf Rangnick advised United to sign 10 players before he quit ahead of his planned consultancy role, and although club sources dismissed the extent of his scathing squad evaluation, there is an acceptance that plenty of new faces are needed to rejuvenate the squad.

United are pushing ahead with plans to address their 'biggest' issue in midfield with talks ongoing to sign Frenkie de Jong, though sources have reiterated that they will not overpay for the Dutchman and that alternatives are being considered if a move fails to materialise.

READ MORE: United willing to walk away from Frenkie de Jong transfer as alternatives considered

It is refreshing to hear such authority from United in regards to their squad rebuild, but even if they manage to sign De Jong this summer, there can be no denying that they still need extra bodies in midfield.

Signing a defensive midfielder has been labelled the priority for Erik ten Hag's side this year, and that will still be the case if they manage to get the Barcelona man. Whether they actually do or not is an entirely different question.

The need for midfield reinforcements has been amplified following confirmation that both Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic will leave the club for free at the end of the month, and it hasn't taken long for those already at the club to be considered as internal solutions.

James Garner could step up following a successful loan spell with Nottingham Forest, though another temporary exit might suit him best, while Donny van de Beek could finally find confidence under the