Rasmus Hojlund retires, Erik ten Hag signs replacement and three more players complete Manchester United's new line-up
Manchester United are set to make some high-profile signings this summer with Erik ten Hag backed in the transfer market.
After a shock season in which United finished eighth, their The lowest in history In the era of the Premier League, the club is desperate to fix its many problems in the transfer window.
Rafael Varane and Antonio Martial have left on free transfers, while Sofyan Amrabat has returned to Fiorentina after his loan spell expired.
This has left Ten Hag with several positions to cover, including attack, midfield and defence, while one appears close to being filled soon.
talkSPORT understands the Red Devils are close to signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna after an excellent season in which he helped them finish third in Serie A.
Scoring goals has been a serious problem at Old Trafford and last season they managed just 57 in the Premier League – no club in the top ten scored fewer.
Zirkzee could join and go straight into the starting eleven. Rasmus Hojlundwho had a difficult year in his debut at United.
After the Red Devils splashed out £72m on the Denmark international, the 21-year-old went on to score 16 goals in all competitions, ten of them in the Premier League.
While Hojlund may have worked hard, having another striker might not be a bad thing as more competition will help the former Atalanta star reach his peak.
In defence, United are moving forward on a deal that would see Matthijs de Ligt arrive from Bayern Munich.
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The 24-year-old looks set to bolster Ten Hag's defence, which was affected by wounds last season.
At one point, the Dutch coach was without a veteran centre-back with Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans injured, plus rookie Willy Kwambala.
However, Bayern Munich fans are not happy with De Ligt's departure. Thousands of people sign a petition Demanding that the transfer not go ahead.
The Dutch international has a great reputation, having already played for Ajax and Juventus and also Bayern.
De Ligt might not be the only change in the defensive line with Chelsea Star Ben Chilwell is a potential option to add depth at left-back.
Once again, injuries have left Ten Hag baffled over his full-back options with Lucas Shaw and Tyrell Malacia out for most of the season.
Diogo Dalot has largely occupied the left-back role despite being a right-back by trade and a more permanent solution is being sought.
Chilwell could find himself on the periphery at Chelsea next season under Enzo Maresca The club already seem willing to sign someone in his position and are planning to sign Renato Veiga from FC Basel.
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With defence and attack strengthened, another position United must think about is central midfield, where Casemiro I could leave.
Saudi Arabian clubs are taking interest In the Brazilian international and the Red Devils have been strongly linked with Paris Saint Germain star Manuel Ugarte.
The midfielder joined PSG last summer but could already be on his way out and Ten Hag is desperate to add strength to his midfield.
With the arrival of the four players, United could have a very different line-up next season with a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Andre Onana is undoubtedly Ten Hag's No. 1 and only missed one game last season due to his international call-up to the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon.
Dalot could return to his preferred position on the right if Chilwell were to arrive, while De Ligt could partner Martinez in defence.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo He could continue his rise to stardom at Old Trafford and play alongside Ugarte, allowing the young England international to operate further forward.
Bruno Fernandes, as captain, remains arguably United's most important player and would play in the number 10 role with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on the flanks.
And imminent newcomer Zirkzee could spearhead the team, taking criticism away from Hojlund, who would rotate with the Dutchman in attack.
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