Manchester United are developing a defensive problem with no immediate solution

There will be no sympathy for Manchester United fans who feel their club should have signed more players in the summer transfer window. Erik ten Hag was backed with a record amount of £225.4million on six new signings, yet for some supporters, there is still a hunger for more.

United had to pay over the odds in order to compensate for their lack of Champions League football, while they often pay more due to their reputation as a global powerhouse, a club whose financial might is still huge despite continued failings on the pitch.

It means Ten Hag has to be very particular about how he invests his transfer budget, with United's approach focused on quality rather than quantity in regards to a squad rebuild.

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The Dutchman has already been informed that his budget for next summer will be lower than the one he got this year, and if he wants to sign elite options in the mould of Casemiro and Antony, then he'll have to spend a lot to do so. It means United might well be in the market for more free agents following the immediate impact of Christian Eriksen, though such an approach leaves a limited pool of players to choose from, and very rarely one who perfectly fits your mould.

United's priority next summer is set to be a new centre-forward. Anthony Martial is battling a fresh injury after the weekend victory over Everton, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo the only natural goalscorer in the squad.

Ten Hag might well look to supplement his forward line by playing Marcus Rashford in a central role, or utilising Eriksen or Antony as a false nine, but with Ronaldo almost certain to leave next year, it is essential they invest properly in their attacking options.

Unite