Man Utd in perfect position despite Erik ten Hag suffering setback in £30m transfer chase

Erik ten Hag will have no excuses for why he can’t land a top midfielder this summer and solve an issue that has troubled Manchester United for several seasons.

Reports have circulated that both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick were desperate for the Red Devils to strengthen in the centre of the park, and ultimately they paid the price for that – though in different ways. Declan Rice is a name that has been closely linked with a move to Old Trafford, while Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Leeds star Kalvin Phillips have also been mentioned.

With Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic both departing now that their contracts with United have expired, Ten Hag must add depth in midfield. And the former Ajax boss continues to be keen to tap into the Eredivisie.

Sky Sports have reported that United are interested in PSV midfielder Ibrahim Sangare, with the Ivory Coast international determined to make the move to the Premier League this summer. The 24-year-old made 29 league appearances this season, scoring three and assisting two, impressing with his ability to dictate matches and his defensive work.

But the Red Devils aren’t alone in their admiration of Sangare, Chelsea are also interested in the player – who is believed to have a £30million release clause in his contract. But if the former Toulouse star decides to make the move to the Blues, it is not the worst news in the world for United as they can reignite their interest in N’Golo Kante.

Soon after Ten Hag’s appointment, the France international was named as one of his transfer targets. The club also held talks with the midfielder prior to his move to Chelsea whilst he was at Leicester City.

Kante has been an ever-reliable servant to Thomas Tuchel’s side, but the arrival of