Man United’s new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, will start to flex his muscles next year, and a focus on youth will mean the end of the road for two experienced stars.
With the INEOS ownership of the footballing side of the business now in full swing, there’s a clear plan ahead for the next few transfer windows.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe put his money where his mouth is during the summer, with Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte all arriving.
Perhaps above all others, it’s the signing of Ugarte that will have the most notable impact.
That’s because, as Give Me Sport note, he is expected to partner Kobbie Mainoo in a new look central midfield partnership for the Red Devils.
What that means in practice is that both Christian Eriksen and Casemiro aren’t going to get a look in and, as a result, the outlet suggest that both will be sold.
After the debacle against Liverpool at Old Trafford last weekend, the Brazilian can certainly have no complaints.
If United are to go some way towards capturing their former glories, then tough decisions need to be made.
Frankly, you don’t go all out to buy a new player if he isn’t going to be first choice, so once Ugarte is up to speed fitness wise, there will be an expectation that he’ll be thrown straight in to the middle of the park.
The pressure would then all be on Erik ten Hag’s shoulders, as he looks to meld the team together and ensure continued success on the pitch.
Two trophies in two years isn’t the worst record in the world, however, it’s the manner of United’s performances under the Dutchman which have been a worry.
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