Erik ten Hag Hopes To Close A Deal For Midfielder This Week

Erik ten Hag is gearing up for a midfield reshuffle at Manchester United in the remaining days of the transfer window.

The Red Devils’ defeats in their opening two games of the new Premier League season was much to do with the sheer lack of quality in the middle of the park.

Irrespective of how good Ten Hag’s coaching is, he can’t be expected to go toe to toe with most Premier League sides with his current midfield options.

Such is the state of United midfield that Christian Eriksen, a playmaker, was fielded as a holding midfielder in the side’s 4-0 thrashing at Brentford.

Ten Hag has demanded midfield reinforcements from the United hierarchy, and is hoping to close a deal for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot this week. An initial £15m fee has been agreed but personal terms for the France international is yet to be concluded, The Guardian have reported.

Meanwhile, the former Ajax boss is still waiting for Frenkie de Jong, who has proven to be an elusive transfer target so far.

In order to fund these midfield additions and make a space in the squad, James Garner could depart. United will listen to offers in the region of £15m for the academy midfielder.

Midfield remains the primary area of concern, but the Dutchman also wishes to add a forward and remains interested in Ajax winger Antony.