Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has told INEOS they need to add more depth to his squad in the summer.
There has been more than 60 separate cases of injury and illness throughout United’s squad this season, which has seen them fail to qualify for the Champions League.
And Ten Hag has said that if United are to bounce back in 2024-25, then they need more strength in depth.
“Yes,” Ten Hag replied when questioned if he has asked INEOS for more depth. “That is one of the issues in constructing the squad that we have to improve, to do things better, and construct a squad we have more depth in.
“The most important thing is to get the returning players back. If we have that in many positions, then we are creating depth.
“Now, in some positions, we don’t have choices. In the left-back position, (Luke) Shaw has had only 15 stars this season and (Tyrell) Malacia has zero starts and is not even available.”
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Ten Hag believes United will still be able to attract the best players even though they will not be competing in Europe’s elite club competition next season.
Last summer saw them recruit Rasmus Hojlund from Italian side Atalanta in a deal worth £64million, Mason Mount joined from Chelsea for £60m and goalkeeper Andre Onana joined for an initial £43.9m.
Going into this transfer window, which will be INEOS’ first in charge of the club’s football operations, Ten Hag has outlined the attributes he is targeting from any arrival.
“I think every manager wants winning attitudes,” Ten Hag added. “Great mentality, big personalities to perform under stress is what every manager is looking for.
“The truth is In this club, it is extremely important to perform under stress.”
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