Manchester United's perfect summer transfer window after Erik ten Hag appointment

The importance of Manchester United's summer can not be downplayed. How successful they are in the transfer market will determine whether or not their five-year trophy drought will come to an end next season and maybe even if Erik ten Hag will be a success or not at Old Trafford.

United have at least got off to a good start by fulfilling their aim of hiring their next permanent manager before the end of the season. Ajax boss Ten Hag was officially confirmed as the incoming boss last week after the club paid £1.75million to release him from his contract in Amsterdam.

After securing the service of one of the most exciting, up-and-coming coaches in the game, the club must now support him in the transfer market. In terms of outgoings as well as signings.

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United already have a bit of an exodus on their hands with Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Lee Grant all expected to leave — but there are plenty more players who could well be shown the door. If Ten Hag deems any player unfit for purpose then United must be willing to get rid.

Then there are the incomings. It's understood that United are targeting a midfielder, centre-back and striker but more than three signings will almost certainly have to be made for Ten Hag to really revolutionise a broken squad.

Below MEN Sport writers have outlined what the perfect summer transfer window would be.

Rich Fay

United's dream summer would be one with five or six new signings to offset those who will leave at the end of the campaign, but the hard truth is that they are more likely to land three or four — and will likely need to pay over the odds