Deal with star player ‘expected to announced’ after FA Cup final defeat

Erik ten Hag failed to derail Manchester City’s treble pursuit, as Manchester United fell to a 2-1 loss at the hands of their rivals in the FA Cup final. Now, the Dutch coach’s focus switches on strengthening his squad to properly challenge Pep Guardiola’s men next season.

United had opened talks with Chelsea for the signing of Mason Mount before kick-off at Wembley on Saturday. Now, the Old Trafford hierarchy are to make an offer of £50m for the dynamic midfielder, the Telegraph have reported. The way City ran the show in the middle of the park highlighted the lack of physicality and technical ability in United’s midfield.

The Red Devils were toothless up front as well. Despite taking more shots than their counterparts, United failed to beat Stefan Ortega more than once. A new striker is Ten Hag’s priority, and United will push Tottenham Hotspur to sell Harry Kane. The former Ajax boss is surprisingly understood to be also targeting signing a left-winger.

Manchester United to announce David de Gea’s new deal

Ten Hag’s most surprising decision of the summer may well be his reluctance to cut ties with David de Gea – who was by far United’s biggest weakness in the FA Cup final defeat.

Apart from his poor distribution, which allowed City to easily win back possession and maintain pressure on United’s defence, the Spaniard was culpable for Ilkay Gundogan’s second goal.

In comparison, City’s second-choice goalkeeper delivered an outstanding performance. It was his precise long pass that caught United’s defence sleeping before the German midfielder rattled the net with a ferocious volley from the edge of the box. Ortega also crucially blocked Raphael Varane’s effort from close-range in stoppage time.

Despite yet another frustrating display, De Gea, whose current contract expires this month, is set to be handed a new deal. Ten Hag has no plans to spend significant money on a goalkeeper. The 32-year-old’s new deal is expected to be announced shortly.