Manchester United have four key issues to address as summer transfer window officially opens

The summer transfer window opens today (Friday 10th June) and Manchester United have a lot of work to do. Erik ten Hag has been appointed as the club's next permanent manager and he will hopefully see an overhaul at Old Trafford, which will put the club back on an upward trajectory.

A good transfer window will provide the foundations for what is to come under Ten Hag. So to that end, let's look at four things that must happen at United before the transfer window closes in more than two months' time:

1. Sign a defensive midfielder

This one goes without saying. United have needed to sign a defensive or a more defensive midfielder for years now and with Nemanja Matic departing on a free this summer, the club have been left with no one who can shield the centre-backs and help the club build up from the back. It simply must be addressed this summer.

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2. Address at least two other problem areas

After the defensive midfield position has been solved, United would do well to solve at least two other problem areas with signings who will either be part of the starting XI, or play a significant number of minutes next season under Ten Hag. With Paul Pogba leaving, the club need a new midfielder who can help them progress the ball up the field and create.

The player targeted to be Pogba's replacement appears to be Frenkie De Jong, who played under Ten Hag at Ajax before leaving for Barcelona in 2019. United are pursuing a deal for him and while De Jong's preference is to play Champions League football, they are hoping that a reunion with his former manager will be able to sway the player.

Other areas that United must address are