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Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United want an holding midfielder

Rio Ferdinand praises Erik ten Hag for the shift in culture at Manchester United.
Rio Ferdinand praises Erik ten Hag for the shift in culture at Manchester United. (Photo by JACK TAYLOR/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag gives verdict on midfield requirement 

While speaking in a recent interview as quoted by Manchester Evening News, Erik ten Hag has suggested Manchester United are continuing their pursuit for a holding midfielder.

The hiring of Erik Ten Hag has caused a change in tactics at Manchester United and now the manager wants to bring in a deep-lying, controlling midfielder for his squad. The Dutch manager stated that if he can’t find an alternative, he would have to coach current players to fill the position.

“We’re looking for a player who can play in the holding midfield position, but it has to be the right one. There are not many in that position capable of the level we demand. If we can’t find him, we have to deal with the players in our squad now and we will develop one in that position.”

Erik ten Hag wants to sign a holding midfielder.
Erik ten Hag wants to sign a holding midfielder.

Our depth in the middle of the field has significantly decreased as a result of the departures of players like Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard, and Juan Mata. Considering the several competitions we will be involved in during the forthcoming season, that is pretty perilous.

Matic was a perfect fit for the holding midfielder role. However, his departure has left the board in absolute misery as they have to now dive deep into the market and find a viable alternative.  

Additionally, the introduction of the five substitution rule reinforces the requirement to fully utilise the squad in order to maximise this gain. Therefore, acquiring Christian Eriksen from Brentford alone would not be sufficient to address our current issues.

Erik ten Hag delivers his verdict on Manchester United's midfield requirements. (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag delivers his verdict on Manchester United’s midfield requirements. (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)

In such a scenario, United must find high-calibre reinforcements to avoid problems in the following campaign. When it comes to what ten Hag is searching for at Old Trafford, de Jong might be the right choice.

They could be able to continue the partnership that worked so well at Ajax after their prospective reunion. The Dutchman is a fantastic weapon for the crucial midfield position because of his passing prowess and ability to read the game. He mostly operates from the deep and has the ability to play effectively in own half as well as break opponent defences with slick passes. 

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Even though Manchester United already have an agreement in place with Barcelona for the Dutchman, acquiring De Jong won’t be that simple. It has been a well-documented transfer pursuit of the summer and it remains to be seen if the Red Devils are able to make the breakthrough. 

Written by Surajit Das

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