Man Utd's transfer approach has Erik ten Hag scrambling to keep up with big six spending

The season is not defined by June - but it is safe to say the Erik ten Hag era at Manchester United has not got off to the best start.

The new Red Devils boss is facing a major rebuild task at Old Trafford following a miserable end to the season under interim boss Ralf Rangnick. United missed out on a top-four finish following an abysmal run of form to close the campaign, and finished 35 points adrift of rivals Manchester City at the summit.

The former Ajax manager becomes the latest man tasked with reviving the club in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era as United close in on a decade without a Premier League title. Reports suggest ten Hag has been handed a transfer budget in excess of £100 million, with Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong said to be the top target.

There can be almost no argument that the Red Devils are the 'Big Six' club in most need of an overhaul following yet another dysfunctional season. The departure of a host of first-team stars such as Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, and Paul Pogba has already freed up funds.

A number of underperforming fringe players have also been tipped with a summer exit, granting ten Hag significant room in which to rebuild the side. However, with less than a month until United's first pre-season fixture against Liverpool in Bangkok, ten Hag is yet to welcome his first signing through the door.

Of course, there is no need to panic at this stage with the summer window not closing until September 1. But the sight of United's 'Big Six' rivals strengthening ahead of the new campaign should undoubtedly be a concern.

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