Manchester United are set to make some high-profile signings this summer with Erik ten Hag being backed in the transfer market.
After a shocking season that saw United finish eighth – their lowest-ever in the Premier League era – the club are desperate to fix their many problems in the transfer window.
Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial have left on free transfers while Sofyan Amrabat has returned to Fiorentina after his loan spell expired.
It has left Ten Hag with several positions to plug, including in attack, midfield and defence while one looks close to being wrapped up soon.
talkSPORT understands that the Red Devils are closing in on the signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna after a fine season where 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 XI over Rasmus Hojlund, who had a tough time in his debut year at United.
After the Red Devils splashed out £72million on the Denmark international, the 21-year-old managed 16 goals in all competitions – with ten in the Premier League.
While Hojlund might have toiled, having another striker might not be bad news as more competition will help the former Atalanta star reach his pinnacle.
At the back, United are making progress on a deal that would see Matthijs de Ligt arrive from Bayern Munich.
The 24-year-old looks set to bolster Ten Hag’s defence, which was stricken by injuries last season.
At one point, the Dutch coach was left without a senior centre-back with Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans all injured, as well as rookie Willy Kwambala.
Bayern Munich fans are not happy to see De Ligt leave, though, with thousands signing a petition demanding the move doesn’t go ahead.
The Netherlands international has a huge reputation, having already starred for Ajax and Juventus as well as Bayern.
De Ligt might not be the only change to the backline with Chelsea star Ben Chilwell a potential option to add depth at left-back.
Again, injuries have left Ten Hag puzzled over his full-back options with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia out for the majority of the season.
Diogo Dalot has largely deputised at left-back despite being a right-back by trade and a more permanent solution is being sought.
Chilwell could find himself on the peripheries at Chelsea next season under Enzo Maresca with the club already appearing to sign someone in his position with a plan underway to bring in Renato Veiga from FC Basel.
With defence and attack set to be bolstered, another position that United must think about is central midfield where Casemiro could depart.
Saudi Arabian clubs are taking an interest in the Brazil international and the Red Devils have been strongly linked with Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte.
The midfielder only joined PSG last summer but could leave already and Ten Hag is desperate for more bite to his midfield.
With the arrival of all four players, United could have a very different line-up next season in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Andre Onana is undoubtedly Ten Hag’s No.1 and only missed one match last season due to his international call-up to the African Cup of Nations for Cameroon.
Dalot would be able to return to his preferred position on the right if Chilwell arrived while De Ligt could partner Martinez at the back.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo could continue his rise to stardom at Old Trafford and play alongside Ugarte, who would allow the young England international to operate further forward.
Bruno Fernandes, as captain, remains arguably United’s most key player and would play at No.10 with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on the flanks.
And impending new arrival Zirkzee could spearhead the side, taking the flak off Hojlund, who would rotate with the Dutchman up front.
News Summary:
- Rasmus Hojlund out as Erik ten Hag set to sign replacement and three others make new-look Man United line-up
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.