Two transfers could help Erik ten Hag start Manchester United's transformation

Things look bleak for Manchester United at present but the upcoming summer transfer window offers yet another chance to finally start moving in a positive direction.

It can be difficult to imagine that United will ever actually get anything right again, considering the dreadful way the club has been run for the past decade and true change may never come until the Glazer family are no longer owners. Yet, to look at things optimistically, it only takes a few smart signings to completely change a side's fortunes.

While on a smaller scale, Crystal Palace are a club that United should look to as an example. The Eagles hired a new manager in the summer in Patrick Vieira and, after making a handful of acquisitions that fit the style the Frenchman wants to play, they have seen a marked improvement in results, league position and quality of football. Considering the significant increase of resources at United's disposal, there's no reason why they can't do the same or better.

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Hiring a new manager — which looks likely to be Ajax's Erik ten Hag — is the first step and then the second is to back him in the transfer market and sign players suited to how the Dutchman wants to play football. Not just on name value.

The biggest problem position any incoming manager must address is midfield. United have been desperately lacking adequate protection of their back-line and a player capable of dictating the play with an accurate range of passing for years, yet the club has always chosen to lavishly spend elsewhere instead.

It has proven costly as the maligned duo of Scott McTominay and Fred have proven to be the best options despite their