Erik ten Hag’s primary objective is to replenish Manchester United’s midfield this summer.
Four central players, including Paul Pogba, left upon the expiration of their contracts last month and the club are yet to officially replace them. That said, the Manchester Evening News understands that a deal for top target Frenkie de Jong has been agreed in principle with Barcelona.
This and the impending signing of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord has got United fans buzzing, which - to some extent - has quelled their anguish regarding a lack of summer transfers. However, this could have all been avoided.
READ MORE: Manchester United expect to sign Tyrell Malacia after representation issue resolved
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes United could have made an improvement on midfield pairing Fred and Scott McTominay without breaking the bank. He pointed towards Tottenham’s £25million capture of Yves Bissouma from Brighton.
“This is an unbelievable coup for Spurs as Yves Bissouma could have played for any of the other top six sides in the Premier League,” Merson told Sportskeeda.
“He’s better than Scott McTominay and Fred, I have no idea why Manchester United didn’t go in for him! He runs the show, affects football matches right from the get-go and is an all-round midfielder with quite a bit of Premier League experience under his belt.
“No disrespect to Spurs, but why didn’t some of the other teams look at him and consider making a move for him? £25m in this day and age – it’s nothing.
“Spurs have nabbed an absolute bargain with Bissouma and he, in my opinion, has been the signing of the summer in the Premier League so far.”
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