Ian Wright names three positions Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag needs to strengthen in transfer window

Ian Wright has pinpointed three areas where Manchester United could strengthen ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

So far, Erik ten Hag has recruited a total of nine players since his arrival. Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Martin Dubravka were brought in last summer to improve matters on the pitch.

And in January, the Premier League top four hopefuls secured three loan signings; Wout Weghorst, Marcel Sabitzer and Jack Butland.

For United, there have been been promising spells throughout the season, with notable wins coming against Barcelona, Manchester City and more recently Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.

But there is still room for improvement, and former Arsenal forward Ian Wright thinks United need to back manager Ten Hag in the transfer window with further signings.

"That man [Ten Hag] has got to get everything he needs to try and do his job well and play the football he wants to play," the 59-year-old said on his Wrighty's House podcast.

"For what he's done at Manchester United this season, he deserves that.

"I still don't think the right-hand side of the team is working right now. You've got [Jadon] Sancho and Antony who are capable of doing unbelievable stuff.

"Antony had so many options [at Ajax] – he could cut in and target the No 9 or there would be a player overlapping him.

“He had so many different options to get the best out of him.

"The same for Sancho at Borussia Dortmund. You have two unbelievable players who can do loads of great stuff but they've not been put into a system where they can thrive."

Image credit: Alamy

Wright added: "I can't wait for Erik ten Hag to get the right-back he wants and the No 9 he wants. At some stage something needs to be done about the goalkeeper [De Gea].

“I want to see all of those things before I judge Erik ten Hag too much."

Realistically, United need a centre forward to stop the over-reliance on Marcus Rashford and while Wout Weghorst does a decent-enough job in those attacking areas, there is a strong argument that United need an out-and-out striker.

They have been linked with big-money moves for Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen in recent weeks but it appears Ten Hag is happy with Weghorst's contribution, despite bagging just two goals.

"Of course (he could stay)," the manager said recently. "I think he is doing a lot of elements really well.

"He’s doing a really good job for us. He is the leader of our press and links up really well. He makes good movements and makes space for others and is good in set-plays. He is really contributing to this team."

Image credit: Alamy

Thoughts on who United should sign in the summer window?

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Topics: Manchester United, Ian Wright, Premier League

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

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