Manchester United's forgotten man may change Erik ten Hag's transfer plans

A big summer is on the horizon and plans are rightfully already being drawn up at Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag has done a great job in taking his new club as far as he has this season given the mess he inherited but there are plenty of miles to travel yet. United want to be among the teams challenging for the Premier League title next season and to do so further squad enhancements will be needed in the transfer window.

In a departure from the incompetency that has plagued them for a decade, United seem to be preparing for such an important off-season well in advance. A striker is the biggest priority and Harry Kane has been named as the top target. It will be difficult to prise him away from Tottenham, though, so a healthy list of back-ups - Victor Osimhen, Rasmus Hojlund, Mohammed Kudus, Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani - is in place as well.

Also read: United's game in hand could face further delay

Hopefully, the case will be the same in midfield. United would love Jude Bellingham but it's going to be near-on impossible to beat Manchester City or Real Madrid to his signature so there need to be alternatives in mind there, too. Whoever is signed, it's bound to cost a massive sum to fill the positions, as well as others that need additions, so sales will be needed to supplement the budget.

United are already ahead on that front, too. Harry Maguire, Alex Telles, Anthony Martial and Brandon Williams have been made available, as will Eric Bailly if he doesn't reach the number of appearances required to make his loan at Marseille permanent. Dean Henderson is likely to depart as well after burning bridges when he sealed his temporary switch to Nottingham Forest.

Plans aren't set in stone, though, and there is always