Man Utd recruitment team focusing on three criteria in summer transfer target search

Erik ten Hag has told Manchester United's recruitment team the exact type of players he wants ahead of a busy summer transfer window.

The Red Devils are expecting a high turnover of players during the coming weeks. The departures of long-term stars Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Lee Grant and Juan Mata have been confirmed, with the likes of Nemanja Matic and Phil Jones set to follow.

New manager Ten Hag will need to make a number of signings as a result. United haven't won a trophy since their Europa League success in 2017, and they finished sixth in the Premier League this season - recording their lowest points total since 1989-90 (58).

According to The Telegraph, Ten Hag wants to know if transfer targets can 'outrun, outplay and outfight' opponents. It's believed players who do not fit this specific criteria will not be signed by the Dutchman, who is desperate to be successful at Old Trafford.

As reported by The Times, Ten Hag will have around £120million to spend this summer. That figure could rise to as high as £200m if there are outgoings.

Ten Hag's predecessor Ralf Rangnick suggested United will need to bring up to 10 new players this summer to fix their failing squad, suggesting it needs 'open-heart surgery'. The new boss was keen to play down these claims at his unveiling last month.

"I am still in the process of analysing to set conclusions," said Ten Hag. "I am looking forward to working with these players. The season before, this squad was second in the league, so there is huge potential. I think if we improve, if we can work with them, I think we can get out more than what is now the result from this season."

He went on to say: "What we are now doing is first constructing the staff, constructing the