Erik ten Hag could make a significant statement at Manchester United by bringing in a high-profile signing next summer.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Manchester United’s transfer business has been plagued by short-term thinking, with their ‘win-now’ mentality clearly not a sustainable model.
Despite the fact that summer signings Christian Eriksen and Casemiro are both clearly capable of performing at a high level, United would be foolish to try to build their team around a pair of midfielders in their 30s. Should he move to Old Trafford, however, one midfielder who could be a mainstay in the United midfield for years to come is Jude Bellingham.
United hopes to compete with Manchester City, Liverpool, and Real Madrid for the services of the highly sought-after England international. And his arrival would undoubtedly be a major coup for the Erik ten Hag era.
While the summer additions of Tyrell Malacia, Antony, and Lisandro Martinez all point to a new young core at United, Bellingham’s addition will add energy to the squad. His poise on the ball and ability to create space off it will most likely boost the performance of those around him and be crucial to the team’s success in the coming seasons.
The box-to-box midfielder displayed a maturity far beyond his years in England’s 3-3 draw with Germany on Monday night. His improved passing, game reading, and understanding of when to press, as well as his ability to compete well under intense German pressure, highlight why the young Englishman would be an excellent fit in Ten Hag’s system.
The Dutchman expects strong passing, an intense tempo, and a constant high press from his players, which Bellingham is likely to be comfortable in and has demonstrated in the Champions League and at the international level. The United manager has proven to be the best in the world at developing young talent, with his high-intensity and demanding training sessions instilling fearlessness in his players.
His time at Ajax saw the likes of Mathijs de Ligt, Ryan Gravenberch, and United target Frankie de Jong all make their mark on the world stage, and his presence could be the deciding factor in Bellingham’s decision to join United this summer. There is no denying the importance of attracting the teenager this summer, but United will face stiff competition, and a world-class manager will not be enough.
The club must aim for Champions League football next season while also being willing to pay Dortmund’s asking price, which is expected to exceed £150 million.
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