MANCHESTER UNITED are changing the narrative and storming the transfer market with an influx of new stars this summer.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has shown true intent after finalizing two initial deals and eyeing a further one to transform the backbone of the United squad.
The Red Devils have secured their first signing of the window after signing Joshua Zirkzee for £42.5m from Serie A side Bologna last week.
And just days later, Ratcliffe and company beat Real Madrid to 18-year-old Lille defender Leny Yoro.
Yoro – who has been dubbed the ‘Kylian Mbappe of defenders’ – signed a five-year contract worth around £144,000 a week after United had a £52m bid accepted.
Meanwhile, United are also a few steps away from signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte for £38 million.
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Here, we take a look at how Ten Hag could align his new stars…
option one
Zirkzee’s arrival could be a problem for Rasmus Hojlund’s playing time.
Zirkzee offers similar attributes to Hojlund in terms of speed and finishing, while also being able to stretch the opposition’s defense.
The style of the Dutch striker – who scored 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions last season – is not that of a traditional striker.
Unlike Hojlund, Zirkzee likes to go deep to receive the ball in midfield and tries to unite the game.
Option two
In this system, the front line does not feature Zirkzee, as Hojlund is still expected to be United’s first-choice striker at the start of the campaign.
The Dane’s year in Manchester could give him the edge over Zirkzee.
Marcus Rashford has a big season ahead of him, while Alejandro Garnacho hopes to continue his development.
If Ugarte signs for the Red Devils, he will receive Casemiro’s approval after the former Real Madrid star failed to impress last season.
Newest recruit Leny Yoro makes this lineup alongside Lisandro Martinez.
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Option three
Alternatively, given the different profiles of Zirkzee and Hojlund, Erik ten Hag could play against the young duo in the front pairing.
As Hojlund will look to develop his attacking game and often rotate behind defenders, Zirkzee’s ability to drop deep could allow the duo to work together.
Sort of a Harry Kane and Son Heung-min situation – although the Tottenham duo played 3-4-3.
A front pairing will force changes in midfield as a potential diamond formation forces Kobbie Mainoo and Ugarte out of the starting XI.
Likewise, with Rashford’s future yet to be determined, Garnacho could move to his preferred position on the left wing, as Jadon Sancho could occupy the right wing, as he did at Borussia Dortmund.
Furthermore, Zirkee could even come in to play behind Hojlund, with Fernandes leaving for either side.
Nine coaches Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten Hag
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman has come dangerously close to being sacked.
Here are nine managers Red Devils bosses considered for the role and what allegedly happened to each.
Gareth Southgate
He enjoys a lot of support among bosses at Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos but made it clear he would not speak to any club until after Euro 2024. There has yet to be any suggestion that contact has been made with the England manager.
Kieran McKenna
Negotiations were opened with McKenna’s representatives ahead of the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd manager opted to sign a new contract with Ipswich following Ten Hag’s victory at Wembley.
Roberto DeZerbi
Reportedly probed before FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos bosses concluded the former Brighton boss was not the right person for the project.
Thomas Frank
The Brentford manager met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
The Fulham manager is said to have met Man Utd representatives in person two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
He left Man Utd’s thoughts in the first week of June, despite being Sir Alex Ferguson’s favorite.
Thomas Tuchel
He made a very strong impression and got along well during a meeting in Monaco. Personal terms were discussed before the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager decided to step away from the process.
Ruben Amorim
The Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy, but did not make the final settlement.
Roberto Martinez
The Portugal coach was considered at the initial stage.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story