Manchester United can ruin Man City transfer plans and sign Erik ten Hag transfer priority

A summer of major change is on the horizon at Old Trafford as Manchester United look to consolidate their progress with improvements on and off the pitch.

Erik ten Hag has worked wonders in his first season in charge, bringing the Carabao Cup to M16 and going a long way to securing Champions League football. The Dutchman has started to form a side capable of challenging at the top end of the table, but there is no secret of his wish to strengthen further this summer.

A world-class No.9 is the priority, with United all too reliant on the goals of Marcus Rashford and lacking consistent alternatives - Bruno Fernandes is the only other player in double figures this season. Reinforcements at right-back, centre-back and in goal are possible, but a ball-playing midfielder is definitely on the agenda.

ALSO READ: United ratings vs West Ham

Looking back on it, United's pursuit of Frenkie de Jong was damned from the beginning. And while Casemiro has proven an outstanding signing, his profile is vastly different. Christian Eriksen has filled the hole brilliantly, but at 31 cannot be the basis of Ten Hag's long-term plans.

Interest in De Jong and Jude Bellingham suggests the calibre of midfielder United are eyeing will not come cheap, but with a major chunk of this summer's budget earmarked for a £100million-plus striker, cheaper options would be well received by the club's hierarchy.

That search for cut-price alternatives could see United pluck talent from Premier League clubs facing relegation, the most obvious of which is Romeo Lavia. The 19-year-old has been a shining light in an otherwise dismal campaign at Southampton, who look nailed on for Championship football next season.

The Saints only signed Lavia from Manchester City