Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, is said to have a three-man midfield shortlist ready for the summer transfer window. Last summer, Frenkie de Jong was at the top of that list, as the manager was still determined to sign him.
Despite the club’s desire to sell him, the Dutch international made it clear to everyone involved that he wanted to stay at Barcelona. He appears to be of interest to the club, and another transfer battle could begin this summer.
Christian Eriksen and Casemiro joined the club last summer and have worked well together until the Danish international’s injury. Since then, the midfield has seen a lot of changes, with Casemiro out due to suspension and Fred, Scott McTominay, and Marcel Sabitzer vying for the other pivot spot.
The Daily Mail is cited in the article as reporting that De Jong, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice are all transfer targets at Manchester United. Ten Hag will undoubtedly return to the midfield in the summer in search of his ideal target.
The dreadful performance against Newcastle yesterday highlighted the need for reinforcements in that area. It remains to be seen whether that is De Jong, who Ten Hag has always preferred, or the other two in question. It is even possible that more than one of the three will be acquired under new ownership.
However, any one of the three has the potential to fill that role in the pivot that the manager has been looking for. Bellingham and Rice are expected to move this summer, with top clubs from the Premier League and Europe showing interest.
Real Madrid has high hopes for the Dortmund midfielder and could make a move for the young England international soon. All three midfielders are unlikely to be cheap, as all clubs want to keep them beyond this season. Some funds could be raised if Manchester sells Scott McTominay this summer, with Newcastle expressing strong interest in the Scottish international.
