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Peter Fitzpatrick·7 August 2023
🦁 PL Previews: Can Ten Hag continue his Man Utd revolution?
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Peter Fitzpatrick·7 August 2023
From where Manchester United found themselves this time last year to where they now shows how good a job Erik ten Hag has done.
Third place and the Carabao Cup, which ended the club’s six-year trophy drought, as well as an FA Cup final appearance, could only be described as a successful first season, but more will be expected this time around.
In: Rasmus Højlund (Atalanta, £64m), Mason Mount (Chelsea, £55m), André Onana (Inter, £44.1m), Jonny Evans (Leicester, free)
Out: Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest, £15m), Alex Telles (Al-Nassr, undisclosed), Zidane Iqbal (Utrecht, free), David de Gea, Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe (all released)
Transfer balance: -£148.1m
For the first time in many years, there is actually a reasonable debate about who United’s key player is, with all of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martínez and maybe even new signing André Onana having a claim to the throne heading into the new season.
However, it is hard to dispute Casemiro wears the crown given his impact last season after signing from Real Madrid. The difference when he was on the pitch to when he was not was staggering, with United ceding all control, calm and poise without the brilliant Brazilian’s presence.
As things currently stand, there is no solid alternative and certainly not a direct replacement for the 31-year-old in the squad and United’s success will likely once again be centred around his form, fitness and avoidance of the suspensions which blighted his campaign last time around.
This summer has seen Ten Hag putting another stamp on his United side, with several key arrivals and one major exit to date.
David de Gea has been moved on and replaced by Ten Hag’s former Ajax keeper, André Onana, whose distribution from the back should see a marked difference in United’s play. He is joined by Mason Mount and Rasmus Højlund, who offer greater athleticism than presumed predecessors Christian Eriksen and Anthony Martial.
Sofyan Amrabat could still make the move to Old Trafford, which would further bulk up the midfield and offer cover for Casemiro. His transfer is predicated on more players leaving the club, with the likes of Donny van de Beek, Fred, Scott McTominay, Dean Henderson and Harry Maguire rumoured to be up for sale.
Bruno Fernandes replaced Maguire as club captain in July, and United will be hoping the Portuguese can lead them to great things in the coming years.
(4-3-3) — Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martínez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mount, Fernandes; Antony, Højlund, Rashford
Premier League: 3rd
Champions League: Quarter-finals
FA Cup: Runners-up
EFL Cup: Quarter-finals