Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed which three signings he plans to make if he remains in charge at Old Trafford next season.
There is huge speculation Ten Hag will be sacked by United following the club's eighth-place finish in the Premier League.
Reports on the eve of Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City claimed Ten Hag will be dismissed regardless of the result at Wembley.
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The Guardian report that United have already drawn up a five-man shortlist of potential replacements for Ten Hag - Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna.
In an interview with Dutch outlet Voetbal International, conducted in the last fortnight but released on the morning of the final, Ten Hag insisted United's owners have "directly" told him they want him to continue the rebuild next season.
Ten Hag added that he is already planning ahead after admitting 2023/24 had been a disappointing campaign for the club.
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The Dutchman also revealed the three areas of his squad he most wants to strengthen after a season disrupted by injuries to several key players.
"We need to sign an extra striker in the summer," said Ten Hag (via Fabrizio Romano).
"And if we can sign another central midfielder and a replacement for [Raphael] Varane, things will look good again.
"If the team remains fit we can try and aim for top 4 again."
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Ten Hag blamed injuries for United's struggles this season, highlighting the left-back position as a key example of his lack of options.
"Tyrell Malacia didn't play a single minute of football this season," added Ten Hag.
"In fact, he didn't even spend a single moment out on the training pitch. We signed him as our back-up for Luke Shaw."
"Luke Shaw is the best left back in the world," he added.
"This guy is so good. But he has suffered a horrible injury at the start of his career and because of this he will never be able to play 60 games per season."
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The Dutchman added that injuries had been the "core story" of United's disappointing season.
"The injuries have been really crazy. Not long ago I had to start my 15th different centre back duo of the season. I have had 33 different defensive lines this season," he said.
"Sofyan Amrabat had to play left back 4 times. We have had injuries all over the pitch. Casemiro has been out for a long time. Rasmus Hojlund, the striker we bought, suffered from 3 injuries and I can keep going on and on.
"This is the core story of our season."
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Transfer News, Premier League, Football, FA Cup
Rory O'Callaghan