Manchester United transfer needs laid bare for Erik ten Hag amid fixture chaos

Manchester United's managerial decision means the planning can start in earnest for the 2024-25 campaign.

Erik ten Hag will be in charge for a third season after an Ineos review concluded the Dutchman was the right man for the Old Trafford job. After a Carabao Cup success and an FA Cup victory, Ten Hag and United will be seeking to improve on a woeful eighth-place Premier League finish as well as chasing glory in the Europa League.

The packed schedule of four competitions will have a huge impact on the United squad with new signings necessary to bolster the ranks and raise the quality. A striker and a centre-back are the two priorities and with Ten Hag dealing in the currency of silverware, their is a need for a deeper squad - particularly considering the injuries United had to contend with last term.

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The fixture list is unforgiving with an expanded Europa League featuring eight group stage matches alone. The knockout stages have a different look as the top eight overall advance directly to the round of 16, while the sides finishing from ninth to 24th will take their place in the knockout round play-offs. If United can avoid that two-legged play-off round on February 13 and 20, it would really help ease their schedule.

The absence of FA Cup replays provides respite of sorts but the Carabao Cup semi-finals remain over two legs while United will need a deep squad with 27 matches in around 17 weeks at the start of the season. That comes on the back of the European Championship and Copa America in an unrelenting schedule for top players.

United also want to raise funds by selling fringe