How Manchester United could line up under Erik ten Hag after successful summer window

Manchester United would appoint Erik ten Hag as their permanent manager earlier this week.

The Dutchman is set to take charge of the club at the close of this season and, as shown by recent results, is facing a pretty mammoth task.

Ralf Rangnick recently suggested that Manchester United needed six to 10 players to rebuild the squad. And, whilst such a number is unrealistic for one window, it is clear Man United need to bring in at least a few players to help revitalise this squad.

The likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard will be leaving for free. And whilst recouping no transfer fees for said players is not great, their exits should free up a tidy amount on the wage budget.

Anthony Martial could also be sold along with a few more fringe stars to bring in some funds. But who will Ten Hag and co. bring in to replace that crop of players?

Well, 101 have drawn up a starting line-up Ten Hag could use after what would likely be classed as a fairly successful summer.

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Centre-back needed

Starting in defence, it is clear that David de Gea does not have the ability on the ball to fit Ten Hag’s style, whilst Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alex Telles have proven their lack of ability at the top level.

However, as this line-up is being produced after just one summer, United are unlikely to be able to sign a new player for each position.

So, given Harry Maguire’s poor form, Raphael Varane’s injury woes and the fact the rest of United’s centre-back options are average, it is apparent the Red Devils must improve in this area.

One player they should look to target is Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine is currently playing under Ten Hag at Ajax where he has showcased his technical prowess with the ball and his ability to put in a tackle on numerous occasions – skills required by most modern defenders.

Martinez is also left-footed, meaning Ten Hag would be able to partner the South American alongside one of the right-footed Varane and Maguire.

And, of course, as he is already playing under Ten Hag, Martinez would, in theory, not take long to adapt to United’s system under the Dutchman.

Ajax 2.0

For fans of the English game, the name Ten Hag was likely first heard in the 2018/19 season when his Ajax side made it all the way to the 2018/19 Champions League semi-finals – seeing off Real Madrid and Juventus along the way.

A key reason that team was so successful was because of their midfield. Current Manchester United star Donny van de Beek made up a third of that midfield. And whilst he has struggled in England to date, it is anticipated Van de Beek will be given a new lease of life under Ten Hag.

Elsewhere, Frenkie de Jong was used as a defensive midfielder by Ten Hag for Ajax, with his displays in the 2018/19 campaign enough to earn him his big-money move to FC Barcelona.

De Jong has since endured a mixed stint at the Camp Nou, in part due to him being deployed slightly further forward as Sergio Busquets occupies his role.

But, as Man United have no natural defensive midfield apart from Matic who is leaving, Ten Hag should look to bring De Jong to England and play him at the base of United’s midfield.

This leaves just one spot available and, although he has been a controversial figure at times, Fred has proven lately that he can excel when playing slightly further forward.

Of course, this leaves no room for Bruno Fernandes. But Man United still need to rotate and Fernandes could be utilized as both an 8 and maybe as a false-nine in Ten Hag’s side, especially if the Manchester outfit are unable to bring in a decent no.9 this summer.

Ronaldo remains

With Jesse Lingard leaving for free and Mason Greenwood no longer training with Manchester United, it is evident the Red Devils need a new right-winger.

The obvious option is Antony. The Brazilian has electrifying pace, Champions League experience and is proven under Ten Hag.

This would see Jadon Sancho moved to his favoured left-wing role, leaving just the centre-forward spot up for grabs.

And whilst United do need a no.9, signing a defensive midfielder is a more pressing issue right now and likely to be where most of their money goes this summer.

So, though not an ideal situation, Ten Hag may have to rotate between Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford during 2022/23.

Check out the full Manchester United eleven below:

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