Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag hints at summer transfer plans after Liverpool defeat

Erik ten Hag has not changed his transfer plans for this summer on the back of Manchester United's disastrous defeat to Liverpool and the club are already lining up targets to further strengthen the squad.

The Manchester Evening News revealed on Friday that Harry Kane had emerged as Ten Hag's top target for this summer, but there are likely to be more additions and some departures during the next window.

The scale of United's second-half collapse in the 7-0 defeat at Anfield was startling, but Ten Hag isn't ripping up his plans for the summer on the back of it. He has told his players they must prove they can handle the pressure of the run-in this season, however, as he assesses the scale of the rebuild required.

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United could pursue a goalkeeper and a right-back while a younger midfielder is also on the agenda, but Ten Hag insisted his thinking wasn't being swayed by events on Merseyside a week ago.

"No, it can't change after one game. There is a continuing process and it's already in the background," the Dutchman said of his summer plans.

United responded to their Anfield humbling by beating Real Betis 4-1 to take total control of their Europa League last-16 tie ahead of next week's return in Seville.

Ten Hag's team have now responded to their last six defeats by winning the next game and the 53-year-old was pleased with the character his players have shown during a difficult week, but with third and fourth place still on the line and United still pursuing the FA Cup and Europa League, the pressure will continue to rise over the next few months.

"When the season comes to an end it's going to be even more difficult for every team because the pressure will be