5 months ago
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MANCHESTER UNITED are changing the narrative and storming the transfer market with an influx of new stars this summer.
Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has shown real intent after finalising two early deals and eyeing one more to transform the spine of United’s team.
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While defender Leny Yoro signed off on his Old Trafford deal just days laterGettyThe Red Devils signed off on their first signing of the window after nabbing Joshua Zirkzee for £42.5m from Serie A side Bologna last week.
And just days later Ratcliffe and co beat Real Madrid to 18-year-old Lille centre-back Leny Yoro.
Yoro – who has been coined the ‘Kylian Mbappe of defenders’- put pen to paper on a five year deal worth around £144,000-a-week after United had a £52million offer accepted.
Meanwhile United are also reportedly steps away from signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte for £38m.
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Here, we take a look at how Ten Hag could line up his new stars…
Option One
The arrival of Zirkzee could prove a problem for Rasmus Hojlund’s playing time.
Zirkzee offers similar attributes to Hojlund in terms of pace and finishing, while he can stretch the opposition defence.
The Dutch striker’s style – who notched 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions last season – is not that of a traditional centre forward.
Unlike Hojlund, Zirkzee likes to drop deep in order to receive the ball in midfield areas and looks to link up play.
Option Two
Under this system the front line does not feature Zirkzee, as Hojlund is still expected to be United’s first-choice striker going into the campaign.
The Dane’s year in Manchester could give him the edge over Zirkzee.
Marcus Rashford has a huge season ahead of him, while Alejandro Garnacho will hope to continue his development.
If Ugarte does sign for the Red Devils, he gets the nod over Casemiro after the former Real Madrid star failed to impress last season.
Newest recruit Leny Yoro makes this line-up in next to Lisandro Martinez.
MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from Old Trafford
Option Three
Alternatively, given the different profiles of Zirkzee and Hojlund, Erik ten Hag could play the young pair in a front-two.
As Hojlund will look to build on his hold-up play and often spins in behind defenders, Zirkzee’s ability to drop deep could permit the duo to work together.
A kind of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min situation – although the Tottenham pair played in a 3-4-3 formation.
A front-two will force changes in midfield as a potential diamond formation forces one of Kobbie Mainoo and Ugarte out of the starting XI.
Likewise, with Rashford’s future not firmly set, Garnacho could move to his preferred position on the left-wing as Jadon Sancho could occupy the right hand-side as he did for Borussia Dortmund.
Moreover, Zirkee could even drop in to operate behind Hojlund, with Fernandes going out to either side.
Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten Hag
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.
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