Manchesyer Utd Erig Ten Hag is set to announce the signing of two star players today at the Old Trafford Stadium
As Ineos keeps imprinting its stamp on what seems to be an always changing team at Old Trafford, Manchester United is preparing to reveal two big additions.
Well-known from their Ajax days, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt will cost United around £51.5million combined. Before United starts their Premier League season against Fulham on Friday night (8pm), the ink should be dry on their individual signings. Though their contributions are for the medium and long run, whether or not Mazraoui and De Ligt participate in that curtain raiser is another story entirely.
It was obvious where United intended to focus most this summer. Although additional signings rely on player sales, Ineos were ‘open’ to acquiring three new centre-backs at one time – as well as exploring around for another left-back and holding midfielder to perhaps replace Casemiro.
As things have turned out, Casemiro is looking sharp once more and United could be able to postpone their replacement action plan. Ten Hag and his backroom crew must decide on a contingency despite of the declining budget as Casemiro will not play every single game.
For such a hustling, busy defensive midfielder ten years his junior, that would be quite asking. Ten Hag should yet take some thought on an internal wildcard solution.
Lisandro Martinez, step forward. Ten Hag rejected Martinez’s release as a midfield shield out of hand, although he did play there for Ajax occasionally and United has personnel to assist offset a supposed lack of running capacity in that position.
Among others, Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay, and Mason Mount exude that specific trait in plenty. Starting alongside one or more of the aforementioned, Martinez would bring the necessary tenacity and passing range United could, usually, go without if Casemiro is injured, suspended, or rotated.
