Man Utd transfer news: Erik Ten Hag’s senior player problem at Man Utd next season

New stars needed at Old Trafford 

Erik Ten Hag has confirmed that he has ended his contract at Ajax early to start his new job as Manchester United manager before the end of the season. Such is the almighty task before him, the Dutch tactician is seemingly intent on making a headstart on what should prove to be a hugely important transfer window for the Old Trafford club. 

“We have agreed that I will be employed by Manchester United from 16 May,” said Ten Hag in an interview with De Teelgraaf on Sunday. “In the preparation for the season there are still a few things to be done. Among other things, regarding the filling of the staff and the composition of the selection. I will make my mark and that must be done extremely carefully.

“We have to talk carefully about where we all want to go and how we are going to achieve that. There were possibilities to work at clubs where it is easier, because there is a better foundation. But I chose United because there’s something to be gained there. A lot of things need to be addressed and that’s a challenge. The club and I are on the same page as far as that’s concerned.”

Indeed, few would doubt that Ten Hag will have to completely revamp a squad that has struggled under successive managers and are now likely to finish sixth or seventh in the Premier League under Ralf Rangnick. However, while young stars remain the most favourable links to the club ahead of the summer window, Man Utd may be in greater need of experienced, proven stars if they hope to get back to winning ways soon enough. 

Three of Manchester United’s most experienced players are leaving the club this summer

And more may be joining them if Erik ten Hag doesn’t think they’re good enough pic.twitter.com/MmsVc116aT

— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) May 17, 2022

Old and not entirely reliable – Man Utd’s experience problem 

While Man Utd may be hopeful of signing some of Europe’s most promising players, Ten Hag is probably already slightly concerned at the state of the squad’s most experienced players and where he will be able to turn to next season for leadership and potential mentors to the club’s young stars. When we look at Man Utd’s most experienced players in terms of Premier League minutes played, we can immediately see that three of the top 10 – Nemanja Matić, Juan Mata and Paul Pogba – are all either confirmed or expected to leave the club when their contracts come to an end in a few months time. And the remaining seven players don’t exactly fill Man Utd fans with much confidence. 

For example, while David de Gea has regained some of his composure between the posts, the fourth, fifth and sixth most experienced players in Man Utd’s squad are Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luke Shaw. Three players who could easily find themselves being replaced in the summer transfer window due to diminishing performances this season. And we can probably add fifth-placed Phil Jones to that group of players too. 

Marcus Rashford and Victor Lindelöf round up the top 10, but there are constant reports of the former being sold in the summer due to his development plateauing at Old Trafford, while the latter remains little more than an expendable squad player. Which means of Man Utd’s top 10 most experienced players, only De Gea remains in the peak of his career and dependable enough for the new manager to rely on next season. And that could mean Ten Hag will have to go shopping for ready-made, experienced players in the prime of their career this summer.

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