Erik ten Hag told what his Manchester United transfer priority should be

Manchester United great Paddy Crerand has urged Erik ten Hag to prioritise a new heartbeat for his team when he touches down in the Premier League. Although key figures at Old Trafford insist no deal has been finalised, the Ajax coach is expected to be appointed as the club's next permanent manager.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November and Ralf Rangnick remains in charge. However, as attentions turn to next season, Ten Hag is understood to have edged out fellow candidate Mauricio Pochettino and United are set to wait for him to have the final say when it comes to pursuing summer targets.

Framework to swoop for Kalvin Phillips has been put in place and United are interested in rising RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku. England midfielder Declan Rice was thought to be target number one amid concerns that West Ham might dig their heels in over a valuation for the player.

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Phillips and Rice shone for England in tandem at Euro 2020 last summer. But should that be where Ten Hag sets his sights for next season?

Writing in his latest column for matchday programme United Review, ex-United midfielder Crerand said: "People at Old Trafford expect the team to be successful and they should. United should be competing for the title every year. We haven't this season, so fans are right not to be happy.

"The Premier League is so competitive now; Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea are great sides. The standard is very high, but United have to compete with that. We might need to spend a few bob this summer to do that."

Crerand added: "I always think you want to sign a strong midfield player with a strong personality because they can connect the