How Erik ten Hag's starting XI could look next season after dream Manchester United transfer window

Manchester United have performed better than some fans could have even dreamt of this season but with success comes the dreaded rising of expectations.

The most United fans demanded of Erik ten Hag in his debut campaign at Old Trafford was a top-four finish and perhaps, maybe an end to the club's long trophy drought. Well, the latter has already been achieved with the Carabao Cup win and it would take an almighty collapse for United to slip out of the Champions League places. Additionally, they could still win the Europa League and the FA Cup.

The new manager has got practically every big decision he has made correct. But after such a great maiden season, his targets will be significantly higher next term. Anything less than a genuine tilt at the Premier League title that goes to the wire and a good run in the Champions League will feel underwhelming.

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If United are to have a hope of hitting those aims then there will need to be serious spending in the summer. What has made Ten Hag's transformation even more impressive is the fact he has done it with limited options.

Nowhere is that clearer than upfront. Rashford is by far and away the top scorer this season with 27 goals but he has played his best football when operating off the left flank. United's central strikers have not been good enough. Anthony Martial has missed more games than he's played, Cristiano Ronaldo was clearly never suited to the task and forced his way out while Wout Weghorst can press and link up play but just can't score.

United need an elite-level striker who can do the hard work off the ball, is talented enough with it at his feet but can also be relied upon to consistently find the