If you were in charge of Manchester United this summer, what would you do?
Everything from negotiating new signings to meeting angry fans down the pub is on the table in the most highly pressured of jobs, but if you can get the right blend of new additions and squad harmony then you've got a golden opportunity to lead a club that has lost its way back to the summit of English and European football.
Only... how do you go about that?
We've given members of our Mirror Football team a blank canvas to decide what to do with the Red Devils this summer, and the responses were pretty varied.
Alex Richards
Manchester United appointed Erik ten Hag as the club’s new manager in the summer because they believed he had a vision that could lead them back into Premier League title contention.
Now, it’s time to back that vision.
The ex-Ajax boss has made clear that he sees the current midfield set-up as sub-standard. So give him what he needs to drag it to the level required.
Namely: Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen .
If that means giving Barcelona £70million for de Jong, then do it. Pay the little extra that gets it done. A shining light at Ajax under Ten Hag, perhaps his star has dimmed somewhat during the turbulence he’s experienced at Camp Nou, but his class remains.
Together, he and Eriksen, having proved his health at Brentford, can give Ten Hag the kind of control that he craves and will undoubtedly want from his United side.
We’ve seen enough of the guys in United’s midfield over the past 12-18 months to know that they cannot routinely control possession and dictate matches. Scott McTominay and Fred, with their power, ability to disrupt and athleticism can still be useful. Bruno Fernandes still has a role to play as a goalscoring No.10.
But the entire side has time and again been left playing from off its back foot, chasing games, needing Cristiano Ronaldo to bail it out and having its defence left over-worked because it lacks players who can shape a game from deep and give balance.
Give Ten Hag the conductors he needs from the outset, and then build from there.
Tom Victor
Man Utd won’t be able to turn things around immediately, but there are some obvious solutions to problems which shouldn’t have been allowed to develop.
First of all, if there’s any serious interest in Cristiano Ronaldo then it makes sense to let him move on. His goals were important last season, but the fresh start under Erik ten Hag can’t be achieved by building on a big earner who is the definition of short-term.
This does, of course, mean reinforcements are needed in attacking roles - ideally one longer-term prospect and one who can hit the ground running.
PSV’s Cody Gakpo is someone who Ten Hag has seen plenty of in the Eredivisie, and could be a good fit for one of those spots, while - if finances allow - it’s worth finding out just how married Inter are to Lautaro Martinez given their financial situation.
Defensive solidity was essentially non-existent last term, but if Pau Torres is really likely to be on the market for around £40m then it seems like a no-brainer.
Central midfield remains a problem position as well, and Frenkie de Jong could be a strong addition but won’t solve everything on his own. The new manager has a strong record working with youth, though, so it could be time for the likes of Hannibal and James Garner to earn minutes in the middle of the park rather than a punt on an untried new signing.
The bigger test concerns just how much United can recoup for those out of favour at the club, with Anthony Martial, Andreas Pereira, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Eric Bailly among those whose exits could free up further funds. With a significant number of departures already, the idea of a new start isn't just noise any more.
Ricky Charlesworth
Erik ten Hag might be the fifth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement but the shadow of the legendary Scot still looms large over Old Trafford.
Just as Fergie did countless times, the Dutchman now needs to press the reset button and build a side largely from scratch.
With Paul Pogba's exit finally confirmed the club can now move on from the circus that surrounded him, with the engine room he has now vacated most in need of surgery.
Despite all the fanciful names being thrown about, there is a player already in the building who could be just what Ten Hag needs.
James Garner was a stand-out performer for Nottingham Forest last season, playing a huge role in their promotion to the Premier League. He is tenacious and can pick out a pass.
He deserves the chance to show what he can do in the middle of the park. Another signing is probably needed though, and to that end Frenkie de Jong could prove the perfect foil, plus his Ten Hag links mean United are likely to be in a strong position when negotiating.
Along with Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek there would be a nice mixture in that midfield quintet.
Defensively Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire just hasn't worked. Maybe the addition of a new centre-half would see both up their game. I'd suggest plumping for Pau Torres from Villarreal.
Finally, up front I would bring in another centre-forward to ease the burden on Cristiano Ronaldo. It may require them to break the bank, but Robert Lewandowski would be a potential game-changer.
In terms of outgoings, a few have already gone but there's more fat to be trimmed. I'd allow the likes of Phil Jones, Andreas Pereira, Brandon Williams and Anthony Martial to all move on.
Freddie Keighley
Reports at the start of the month claimed Erik ten Hag and John Murtough were in full agreement about the two positions Manchester United need to strengthen this summer: centre-forward and central midfield.
However, it is clear the need for new players is far more pressing in the centre of the park than up front. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the main man in the No. 9 position and Ten Hag will be confident of improving the performances of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, who endured sub-par 2021/22 campaigns.
With Anthony Elanga waiting in the wings for opportunities and Anthony Martial still on the books, United appear well-stocked in attack, especially as a potentially-resurgent Donny van de Beek could challenge Bruno Fernandes for minutes as the No. 10.
In contrast, United's midfield is painfully weak following the exits of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, while the departures of Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata will also be felt. It seems clear United should channel their efforts - and transfer funds - towards strengthening in this department rather than in their forward options.
There will come a time when an ageing Ronaldo cannot lead the line but the immediate priority must be securing Frenkie De Jong from Barcelona - there has already been enough dithering - as well as Christian Eriksen on a free transfer. This will give Ten Hag two players he knows well who can form the spine of his team.
Speaking of the spine, whatever remains in the war chest must go towards strengthening the defence, with centre-back the priority over right-back. Although Jurrien Timber appears to favour staying at Ajax, Lisandro Martinez may be on the move and could bolster an alarmingly-leaky Red Devils backline.
Colin Millar
The appointment of Erik ten Hag and revolution in the club’s coaching department ensures that Man United must go all-in with the Dutchman and his style.
Ten Hag has reiterated the significance of midfielders in his system, hence the pursuit of Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona and free agent Christian Eriksen . Both would add much-needed technicality to United’s midfield to allow them to retain possession and start controlling games more.
Midfield is the most pressing area in need of reinforcement but an additional defender – particularly one capable of playing right-back, should Aaron Wan-Bissaka be moved on – is desirable, while attacking depth is light after a series of departures throughout 2022. The club should wait to sign a central striker until next year, but a wide right-sided forward would be ideal – Ajax’s Antony has been sounded for this reason.
Despite the exit of six first-team squad players at the end of their contracts – it is evident that the squad is still too bloated and needs continual trimming.
None of Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones are ever going to be utilised without an injury crisis and exits for all three should be facilitated as quickly as possible. The situation is similar for a host of loan players returning to the club including Andreas Pereira, Tahith Chong and Facundo Pellestri.
Antony Martial is the highest profile player returning to Old Trafford after his disastrous loan spell at Sevilla – where he did not score a single league goal and greatly underwhelmed. The Frenchman is one of United’s most sellable assets who does not command a first-team spot and the club should consider allowing him to leave on a cut-price deal.
The impending exit of Dean Henderson and long-term malaise in form of David De Gea, whose reluctance to come off his line may hinder Ten Hag’s style, means that a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet should be identified.
There are no quick fixes to United’s long-term structural issues but this summer transfer window gives the club an opportunity to unite and take a significant step towards challenging for major trophies once again.
Kieran King
There is expected to be some changes to the first-team squad this summer with the arrival of Erik ten Hag.
With Jurrien Timber now expected to stay at Ajax, I would try and go for Lille's Sven Botman with the defender also linked with AC Milan and Newcastle.
He is one of the most talented centre-backs in European football and could suit playing on the left side of a back two alongside Raphael Varane. Phil Jones and Eric Bailly should both go, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof can fight for their places.
The left side of defence is fine and Ten Hag's aggressive style will suit Luke Shaw, but United should go all out to try and sign Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan. Aaron Wan-Wissaka should be allowed to leave with Diogo Dalot used as back-up for the Netherlands international.
As Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard are all leaving at the end of their contracts, United must add at least two new midfielders.
Frenkie de Jong is Ten Hag's top priority and he should be the man they go for first, having played under him at Ajax. I think Wilfried Ndidi would be an astute addition with the club lacking a natural defensive midfielder and should target him, rather than going for someone like Christian Eriksen. James Garner and Donny van de Beek should both be given chances to fight for their places alongside Fred and Scott McTominay.
In attack, Marcus Rashford needs to be backed and trusted to get back to his best. It wasn't too long ago that the forward scored more than 20 goals in consecutive seasons and he could be like a 'new signing' if Ten Hag manages to work with him.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes should be in the side on a regular basis with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho also included. On the other hand, Anthony Martial needs to be offloaded with Anthony Elanga kept around the first-team squad.
It isn't expected to be all plan-sailing at the start of the season and it may take time for Ten Hag to implement his style on the United squad. But the fans must trust him to bring back the feelgood factor after what he achieved at Ajax.
David Hughes
It’s been proven time and time again in recent years that this current squad isn’t good enough, and it is now even weaker following the departure of the likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard.
With a new era starting at the club, upgrades are needed all over the pitch, especially in defence with the form of club captain Harry Maguire a real concern. If a deal could be done to move the England international on, then I’d certainly take it and look to put any recouped funds into a move for a top centre-back, such as Pau Torres .
He’s been a long-term target for United and has the potential to thrive in the Premier League playing within Ten Hag’s system.
The new United boss will possibly want to add a new right-back to the ranks, particularly given Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s issues going forward. David Raum would be the ideal option to replace him, though it remains to be seen as to whether funds would stretch far enough to land him unless United can cut their losses on Wan-Bissaka and sell him.
A priority over right-back is the midfield, and in an ideal world, a deal will be agreed for Frenkie de Jong. However, as that one rumbles on, United would be wise to start feeling out alternatives, one of which should be Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners .
Though less of a ball carrier, he has bags of technical ability, would massively improve the United midfield and wouldn’t cost anywhere near as much as his Dutch compatriot.
Around him, more robust players like Fred and Scott McTominay can have key roles in doing the leg work without the ball, while I’d be sure to give Donny van de Beek a real run in the side, as there’s a real chance Ten Hag can finally get the best from the 25-year-old at Old Trafford.
On paper with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, United look as though they should have enough going forward. Although their struggles and indeed dependence on Ronaldo last season highlighted that simply wasn’t the case.
A more cohesive United side should get the best from those players, however I’d be keen to bring in at least one new attacker this summer, especially if players like Anthony Martial can finally be offloaded.
Numerous names have been linked, however I really like the idea of someone like Martin Terrier joining the club. He scored 21 league goals for Rennes last season and can play a number of different roles which can give Ten Hag a few different options, depending on what he needs.
Again, he’s not a player who will break the bank, making him a low-risk gamble who could prove to be a shrewd recruit, and frankly United haven’t attempted enough such details in recent years. Perhaps this summer will be the start of the club going about their transfer business in a more savvy way.
Mark Jones
It's going to be a transitional year so it's about looking for the players that can come along for the ride under the new manager.
At the back the attempt to bring in Jurrien Timber is starting to look a little tricky, so in the spirit of a new start it could be time to focus attentions elsewhere. I'd try and tempt Leicester with a bid for Wesley Fofana , who won't be cheap, but can cement a spot in the centre along with Raphael Varane.
The left side of defence is fine, and Denzel Dumfries looks a decent shout for the right if a deal can be done there. I'd be keeping hold of Aaron Wan-Bissaka though with the idea of converting him into a centre-back. Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones can all go, and Harry Maguire can fight for his place.
In midfield it's clear that Frenkie de Jong is the manager's No.1 choice so he has to be backed to try and sign him, and that'll also cheer up Donny van de Beek who'll be given more of a chance in rotation with Fred, Scott McTominay and James Garner, who I'd keep around the place.
In attack it's all about trusting Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford. Cristiano Ronaldo will get his games but he's got no divine right to start, and I'd be offloading Anthony Martial and maybe sending Anthony Elanga out on loan if there's a suitable club where he can develop. Then providing there are no long-term fitness issues with him, I'd look at Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a No.9.
In addition, Ronaldo and David de Gea are entering the last year of their enormous deals so I'd make it clear to them at the start of the season that they won't be getting new ones.
This needs to be the start of something fresh at the club, a new culture needs to be embedded, and everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction.
