Five things Erik ten Hag needs to fix at Man Utd - transfer decisions, away form & more

Erik ten Hag’s first season at Manchester United will be remembered as a positive one, with the team making real progress against a negative backdrop of takeover questions, fan protests and internal player issues.

However, there were still far too many frustrating days for the club’s supporters across the campaign, and United’s form took an alarming downturn during the spring months. The Red Devils remain a long way off challenging for the Premier League title, and there is still plenty of room for improvement next season.

So what do the club need to get right ahead of the 2023/24 campaign? We’ve picked out five outstanding issues that must be addressed before next season.

Greater depth

Throwing on Scott McTominay and Wout Weghorst as late changes in the FA Cup final indicated the lack of quality options available to Ten Hag. In contrast, Julian Alvarez and Riyad Mahrez were unused substitutes for Manchester City at Wembley.

While United’s starting XI could rival any side in the league - excluding City, perhaps - the ability drops markedly when back-up options are required. United are too reliant on the likes of Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, and when a key player is unavailable, United’s performances take a notable dip. It’s why bringing in quality additions this summer is key, particularly in midfield and up front.

Away form

United failed to beat any of the top nine away from home in the league this season and won at just one of the top 12. While the results away to the bottom sides were good - won six of eight - United have to do significantly better on their travels in 2023/24 if they want to challenge with the Premier League elite.

Capitulating under pressure

A number of those away losses were characterised by insipid and spiritless showings. The 7-0 loss at Anfield was the obvious nadir, although the defeats at City, Brentford, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion were incredibly poor. It wasn’t just the scorelines that concerned United fans, but the manner of those defeats as the Red Devils were easily swotted aside by more determined opponents.

Rashford reliance

Rashford enjoyed a superb season and netted 30 in all competitions for United, but other than Bruno Fernandes, he was the only player to get into double figures for goals across the campaign. The team were simply far too reliant on Rashford’s output, and during a six-game run over April and May, United managed just two goals.

Ten Hag also bemoaned his side’s inefficiency in front of goal on several occasions, and it’s why adding a free-scoring striker in the window is crucial.

Sorting external factors

Although it’s not an issue Ten Hag can solve, the most pressing problem surrounding United at present is the ownership situation. The takeover saga has dragged on for nearly seven months at this stage, and has led to a wave of toxicity and frustration from fans, which certainly doesn’t make Ten Hag’s job any easier. The ownership palaver is also directly tied to transfer decisions, another reason why finding an imminent solution is key.

There’s also the Mason Greenwood situation, which Ten Hag may have a direct say in. The striker’s future is likely to be decided in the coming weeks, and it’s another unwanted distraction that must be concluded before the new campaign begins.