Erik ten Hag needs midfield transfer to prove he's changed Manchester United strategy

Short-term thinking has plagued Manchester United’s transfer business since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, with their ‘win-now’ mentality evidently not a sustainable model.

Despite summer signings Christian Eriksen and Casemiro both clearly being able to perform at a high level, United would be foolish to try and build their side around a pair of midfielders who are both already in their 30s. However, should he move to Old Trafford, one midfielder who could well be a mainstay in the United midfield for years to come is Jude Bellingham.

United are hoping to compete with Manchester City, Liverpool and Real Madrid in the battle for the highly sought-after England international’s services. And his arrival would undoubtedly represent a marquee signing of the Erik ten Hag era.

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While the summer signings of Tyrell Malacia, Antony and Lisandro Martinez all point to a new young core at United, the addition of Bellingham’s will bring an energy to the squad. His composure on the ball and ability to create space off it will likely heighten the performance of those around him and be the key to the team’s success in following seasons.

In England’s 3-3 draw with Germany on Monday night, the box-to-box midfielder displayed a capacity far beyond his years. His elevated passing, reading of the game and knowledge of when to press as well as an ability to contend well under intense German pressure highlights why the young Englishman would be a great fit in Ten Hag’s system.

The Dutchman demands strong passing, an intense tempo and a constant high press from his players, a role Bellingham would likely be comfortable in and has continued to display