It will be fascinating to see what kind of changes Erik ten Hag implements during his first pre-season with Manchester United. The Dutchman was introduced as United’s new coach earlier this week as mass rebuilding work officially began and a new era for a club that has been lost in recent years.
As part of his first interview with the club, Ten Hag revealed that members of the squad who are not participating in upcoming international matches are due to return from holiday on Monday 27 June.
It gives you exactly a month to perfect your plan before you start working with players on a handy role and time to solve five team problems before you even throw a ball.
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Which players will go
At the top of Ten Hag’s list, he will decide which players will really be part of his project and which ones he wants to accompany as well.
It is well documented that six players are expected to leave when their contracts expire this summer, although one of them, Juan Mata, has already hinted that he would be happy to stay if he is offered a new contract.
The United team is full of marginal players who have not yet made it to the club, and Ten Hag will have to be ruthless in assessing which players really add value to their team next season.
Dean Henderson, Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Alex Telles, Brandon Williams, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Andreas Pereira, and Anthony Martial are hired beyond the summer window, though it would make little sense to keep them all to the club.
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Young people who deserve a chance
Ten Hag looked a little ahead when he won United’s defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend, with Hannibal Mejbri and Anthony Elanga both diners at Selhurst Park.
Shola Shoretire and Alejandro Garnacho appeared on the bench, while Charlie Savage and Alvaro Fernandez were unused substitutes on the last day of the season.
A key part of the success of Ten Hag’s job application was his career and commitment to fostering youth talent, and he is likely to play a crucial role in his first season at the club as well.
The important thing, though, is to make sure you give opportunities to the right players and not play with young people simply because it reflects well on them.
Manchester United starlets Álvaro Fernández and Alejandro Garnacho. (Image: Catherine Ivill / Getty Images)
Extension of contracts
As mentioned above, Mata is a contract-free player this summer who could be persuaded to stay at the club if the new coach wants to keep him close.
Some first-team stars have also been linked with new contracts in recent months, with Fred and David de Gea expected to be offered improved conditions after impressive seasons.
It certainly makes sense to reward players who work well with new deals, but ultimately those decisions should be passed by Ten Hag rather than above him at the club.
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New signings
The most exciting point on this list is the possible new signings, and United could have one when they start training in a month.
United have designated a new midfielder as their “big problem” this summer, but that doesn’t mean it’s their first signing out the window. A move for Kalvin Phillips is complicated by the fact that Leeds stayed and Man City are also interested in him, while Declan Rice is too expensive this time. Frenkie de Jong would be a great addition, but signing him is easier said than done.
Getting a new power plant shouldn’t be that complicated, though. Jurrien Timber and Pau Torres are of interest to the club and both could move on this summer if there is a suitable offer.
Having a new central defender at the club in a month is certainly feasible, but there is no rush if you have to wait for the perfect one.
Jurrien Timber has burst onto the Ajax scene. (Image: BSR / Getty Images Agency)
Tactical approach
What sustains all of the above points is the way Ten Hag really wants his team to play next season. He has always favored a 4-3-3 variant at Ajax and was used to playing in a similar setting during his career as a player at FC Twente.
United have played in different line-ups in recent years, playing with a standard 4-2-3-1, 4-1-2-3 and 4-3-3 only last year.
The style and structure that Ten Hag demands will be what ultimately dictates the players he will seek to buy and those who are already on the roster who could be given new roles.
The pre-season will give the Dutch coach time to experiment with a few different tactical approaches if he wants to, but he should already have an idea in his head about which set-up best suits his team.
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