Manchester United’s immediate focus is to bolster their midfield options this summer, but it’s not the only area of the pitch that needs urgent attention.
Erik ten Hag is also looking for at least one new striker ahead of the new campaign as he seeks to ease pressure on veteran striker Cristiano Ronaldo and also make up for the departures of Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard.
However, there is a belief that he has some solutions within the club. Marcus Rashford could offer much more if he rediscovers his confidence in the Dutchman, while youngsters Amad and Facundo Pellistri could complete the front line if given the chance.
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The simple solution is to suggest that a new signing is needed, something fans would surely agree with. However, the best way to improve power in front of goal is not always to incorporate another star central striker into the squad.
Equally important for United next season will be balancing their front line with the addition of a right-back striker, an addition that could be essential if Ten Hag wants to tackle his over-reliance on Ronaldo.
Another crucial factor will be how the new coach really plans to use his attacking options. Talented players, by the very nature of their ability, will often produce moments of magic capable of winning games, but to become true Premier League title challengers, they must also be placed in a functional system. .
Ten Hag’s time at Ajax indicates he is well equipped to do so, and has already shown two ways he could improve United’s offensive performance.
The Dutchman made his name for the first time with Ajax’s promotion to the Champions League semi-finals three years ago, with a streak that saw the Amsterdam team face Bayern Munich in the group stage before beating Real Madrid and Juventus in their match. runs to the last four.
What was so interesting about this team was the use of Dusan Tadic as a fake new when Ajax broke the opposition’s defenses with clever movement and flexibility at the front line.
Although the Serbian game creator often retired to allow Donny van de Beek the space to move above the pitch, he still finished the season as the club’s top scorer with 38 stunning goals in 56 appearances. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, the most recognized center forward, finished second with 23, while Hakim Ziyech scored 21 and Van de Beek scored 17.
It’s especially touching before next season, as United could only have Ronaldo as a senior central attacking option for the club and will have to rely on Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and any new right-back recruit to complement his front. line.
But one of the most exciting traits that Ten Hag possesses is his ability to rebuild a side and adapt his lineup. This season, Ajax were much more direct, with Sebastien Haller used as a central blow option, with off-field support provided by both Tadic and Antony.
Haller finished as the top scorer with 34 goals in 43 appearances, while Steven Berghuis was used as an offensive midfielder in a mold similar to Fernandes’ for United.
In essence, it seems that Ten Hag already has in mind the ideal tactical setup to bring out the best in both Ronaldo and Fernandes next season, while the first Ajax team he created hints that he could also achieve success in absence of either. them too.
There has been a lot of speculation about how Ten Hag could seek Ronaldo’s support in the transfer market, but perhaps the solution is to use the players he already has at his disposal in another way.
United will no doubt need to strengthen their side whenever possible this summer, although the biggest change will likely come from the way Ten Hag sets them up.
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