After witnessing his new team’s disastrous start to the Premier League season, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is expecting to make progress in the transfer market this week.
In principle, a deal has been negotiated between Manchester United and Adrien Rabiot of Juventus.
Erik ten Hag is anticipating a busy week in the transfer market after watching his new team lose to Brighton 2-1 on the first day of the season. After a largely encouraging preseason, during which Ten Hag started to put his plans into practice, the Dutchman was handed a stark reminder of the scope of the task he faces.
The Seagulls took control as Pascal Gross scored twice in the first half, but despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut, United were able to make a comeback. The new manager, who is seeking to swiftly improve the mood surrounding the 13-time Premier League champions, is off to the worst possible start.
And today, with the booing still resonating in the Manchester sky, there are indications of quick and forceful action. One target is reportedly Marko Arnautovic, for whom a bid of £7.6 million has already been rejected.
The biggest issue in Ten Hag’s squad, which is in the center of midfield, would not be resolved by that, but it would provide him another alternative moving ahead. The need for a new midfielder was evident even before Brighton’s destruction, as Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, and Juan Mata all left as free agents.
The main aim for Ten Hag this summer has been Frenkie de Jong, but irritation is rising over Barcelona’s obstinate negotiating style. Rabiot fills that gap since United managers have the Juventus star on their list of potential replacements and are hoping to negotiate a deal.
The 27-year-old is entering the final season of his contract with the Italian powerhouses and may be a more cost-effective choice than paying the rumored £71.5 million required to sign De Jong. According to The Manchester Evening News, a sum has now been agreed upon with Juventus, and the youngster’s mother, Veronique, will work out the final terms with the player.
Scott McTominay may also change sides, according to Turin news source JuveDipendenza, with the Bianconeri considering him as a possible Pogba replacement. Despite receiving criticism for the Scotland international’s performance against Brighton, Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri is expected to be a major fan of the player’s tactical discipline.
Both McTominay and his dependable companion Fred struggled to prevail in their respective skirmishes despite starting at the base of United’s midfield. Along with Bruno Fernandes, the United midfield gave up position 25 times in the first half, with McTominay finishing with a pass success percentage of only 67%.
In the post-game autopsy, United legend Paul Scholes slammed his performance, calling some of his choices “criminal.” McTominay constantly attempted to sprint with the ball, which was absurd. The pitch’s midsection was of extremely poor quality.
Ten Hag will have to choose just one of Fred and McTominay, but even that number is probably too high.
“Fred constantly gives the ball away, and McTominay constantly tries to run with it before giving it away. Give it to your top athletes! It’s not that challenging. An occasion like today makes it criminal.
