Ten Hag begins summer recruitment plans that could see five players join Man United

Manchester United’s need for summer reinforcements has been well-documented, with manager Erik ten Hag looking to bolster his squad ahead of next season.

Man United have enjoyed a decent start to life under the Dutchman’s stewardship, ending their six-year wait for silverware by winning the Carabao Cup before reaching the FA Cup final.

The Red Devils were touted as front-runners for a Europa League triumph but were dumped out in the quarter-finals by the tournament’s serial winners Sevilla.

However, they are on course to finish in the top four, making it all systems go this summer as they look to build a squad big enough to compete for the Premier League title.

According to Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag is set to have a busy summer as he strives to add at least five new players to his squad.

However, it is understood that the club are not looking for elite options across all areas of the pitch, with Ten Hag favouring players who are open to the occasional rotation but will take the club to the next level.

Goalkeepers

Man United need a goalkeeper or two depending on what happens with David De Gea, who has rejected fresh terms from the club despite his contract expiring this summer.

The club could trigger an automatic one-year extension clause in his contract. But they want to strike an agreement over an entirely new deal, of which the terms have not been welcomed by De Gea.

The Red Devils have already been linked with a move for his compatriot at Brentford, David Raya, but could also need to sign a back-up goalie depending on what happens with Dean Henderson.

Defence

Following the resurgence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Man United may not need to reinforce the right-back position, although they have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been under the spotlight for much of the campaign but for all the wrong reasons, and at least one of them is expected to leave the club this summer.

Ten Hag could sign a defender capable of holding down the fort in the absence of preferred duo Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

Midfield

Christian Eriksen’s long-term injury this season was an eye-opener for Ten Hag, who could be looking to sign another creative midfielder to support the Dane in the middle of the park.

However, if Man United are to sign another midfielder, they would be more likely to add someone who could supplement their options rather than demand to start every week.

The Red Devils are still interested in Frenkie De Jong, while Marcel Sabitzer could see his loan switch made permanent given that he is already accustomed to the rotational role.

Youri Tielemans could prove a shrewd acquisition with his Leicester City contract expiring this summer, while Bayern Munich’s out-of-favour Ryan Gravenberch could be another cut-price option.

Attack

Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane remains Ten Hag’s priority striker target as he looks to lift the goalscoring burden off Marcus Rashford’s shoulders.

Victor Osimhen is also high on their shopping list after an astonishing campaign with Napoli, where he fired the Partenopei to the Scudetto triumph with 22 goals.

The centre-forward position is perhaps the only area of Ten Hag’s squad that requires an elite presence, with the club relying on Wout Weghorst and Anthony Martial to lead the line.

However, Man United will need to shell out at least £100 million for either Kane or Osimhen, which will limit their spending power in improving other areas of the squad.