Manchester United: 3 Signings That Can Elevate Erik ten Hag’s Side to Premier League Contenders

Manchester United: 3 Signings That Can Elevate Erik ten Hag’s Side to Premier League Contenders

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:15 PM
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  • Manchester United are already preparing for a huge 2023 summer transfer window and will definitely look to strengthen Erik ten Hag's side
  • Three players, namely Enzo Fernandez, Diogo Costa and Ivan Toney, have emerged as players who will instantly improve ten Hag's team
  • The Red Devils splashed the cash this past summer and are prepared to back the Dutchman again next year

Manchester United are gradually starting to resemble an Erik ten Hag side, despite a disastrous start to the Premier League season.

Ten Hag's former team, Ajax showcased the possibilities of what the Dutchman's team could become. However, United lack the right profiles to enable ten Hag to implement the liquid football the Dutch giants played.

Enzo Fernandez, Manchester United, Diogo Costa, Ivan Toney, Premier League, Benfica
Enzo Fernandez is also being targeted by Man United arch-rivals, Liverpool. Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez.
Source: Getty Images

Against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday 19 at Old Trafford, the Red Devils showed glimpses of how they could play, blitzing Antonio Conte's passive side with 28 shots.

United fans expected to see a possession-dominant, high-energy, aggressively counter-pressing side, qualities that Ajax displayed in their historic Champions League run in 2019.

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There are three signings that can add immediate improvement.

Players Man United should sign:

1. Enzo Fernandez

The 21-year-old has been arguably Benfica's best player this season despite only signing for the Portuguese giants this past summer, according to the Mirror. Fernandez would a key player for a ten Hag team. The Argentine is a box-to-box midfielder and would impact both sides of the field.

He is a high-volume passer and would help United dominate possession. His partnership with Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and/or Christian Eriksen makes that midfield world-class. If the 20-time English champions buy Frenkie De Jong and Fernandez, they could challenge for the league and the Champions League.

2. Diogo Costa

The Porto goalkeeper has shown why he would be a massive improvement on David De Gea, according to the Athletic. His proactive nature could allow United defenders to move up the field.

Although De Gea is an exceptional shot-stopper, Costa brings shot prevention, shot stopping and great sweeping abilities, qualities a possession-heavy team needs.

3. Ivan Toney

Man United have been crying for a true centre-forward for the last few years. The Brentford striker's physicality and link-up play are exactly what a ten Hag side needs.

With an ageing Cristiano Ronaldo and an injury-plagued Anthony Martial, getting Toney should be a priority, according to ESPN.

Brentford, Ivan Toney, England, Manchester United, Premier League
Ivan Toney has scored eight goals in 13 Premier League games this season. Photo by Visionhaus.
Source: Getty Images

Diogo Costa's Champions League magic

Sports Brief earlier reported on potential David de Gea replacement Diogo Costa producing a memorable performance for Porto in the Champions League.

He superbly created Porto's first goal with an 80-yard assist, then saved a penalty ten minutes later against Bayer Leverkusen.

With de Gea's contract ending next summer, fans have called the club to make a move for Costa.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.
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Erik Ten Haag