Erik ten Hag will face fresh Manchester United transfer challenge this summer

Erik ten Hag has done little to disprove the image of him as a ruthless manager over the last 12 months and the Dutchman will need to call on his cut-throat nature more than ever this summer.

From benching Marcus Rashford for turning up late for a meeting to axing Cristiano Ronaldo entirely, the Manchester United boss has taken no prisoners in his quest for success. Jadon Sancho - sent to the Netherlands for an individual training programme - knew exactly where he stood, as did Harry Maguire when the club captain was left on the sidelines with left-back Luke Shaw picked ahead of him.

Ruthless decisions have defined Ten Hag's first year at Old Trafford, and all of them have paid off. A world-class manager needs to make tough decisions and they need to get them right.

A summer of major investment is on the horizon, and United's eagerness to back their manager has been no secret. Ten Hag is expected to bring in at least two big-name signings, with a world-class No.9 and a technical midfielder top of the summer shopping list.

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But with the protracted takeover process creating budget uncertainty, departures will be required to raise further funds. Maguire, 30-years-old and in fear of losing his England place, could leave, while first-choice goalkeeper David De Gea is in the final weeks of his contract and looking increasingly likely to depart on a free. A new right-back is also on the radar, and wide options are being eyed further forward.

Unfortunately for Ten Hag, he will not have the luxury of endless wealth to fill those gaps, regardless of who is cashing the cheques when push comes to shove. United spent more than £200million last summer but