Ten Hag Eager To Add In January 2023

Manchester United welcomed not only a new manager in Erik ten Hag ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, but a raft of new players too, with tens of millions spent recruiting the likes of Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro, to name but a few. But, while United shelled out big bucks in recent weeks, ten Hag is keen for the hierarchy to spend more in January.

If you’re looking at what the Premier League betting markets on who is going to win the title are suggesting, Manchester United aren’t fancied at all. You could describe them as outsiders, but the odds are so big that even that would be reaching. But, perhaps, this is ten Hag’s motivation and why he’s keen for United to do business once again because he’s determined to bring the good times back to Old Trafford sooner rather than later.

In the summer and since the close of the window, ten Hag has added seven new players to his first team squad. When the season kicked off, and some of his new charges were involved in a 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton and then a humiliating 4-0 away at Brentford in the opening couple of games of the campaign, it’s fair to say that many may have dismissed the Dutchman’s request to discuss more spending money.

However, after two defeats in their first two games. United have won four consecutive matches in the Premier League, brushing aside the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal in their impressive run. So, you could say that ten Hag has already begun proving his worth, with many of his signings starting to flourish. And because things are going well, it could lead to a rethink by the hierarchy at Old Trafford, who are keen to wait until next summer to recruit.

Based on the business done so far, it’s clear that United are missing a mobile goalscorer who can play centrally. And this could be one of the areas ten Hag wants to target as a matter of urgency, with Cristiano Ronaldo not really fitting the Dutchman’s style of play and Anthony Martial out injured. Wide players such as Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony are already impressing and delivering the goods, so a striker to play through the middle could be the missing piece in the attacking jigsaw.

Other areas ten Hag could be keen to strengthen in January include right back, with Diego Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka both likely to be moved on at some point. And while United recently added Casemiro to their midfield, ten Hag may wish to bring in another player to play alongside him. But, everything will likely hinge on what the Glazer Family, the owners of the club, feel is appropriate. And how well United are doing as the transfer window approaches. If they’re in great form, then the purse strings could be loosened once again.