Erik ten Hag is expected to be unveiled as Manchester United manager over the next 48 hours, having unofficially began work a week earlier.
With the season now thankfully over, we can now turn to planning for the 2022/23 season, and there is no time to waste.
An early transfer deal for Erik ten Hag‘s first signing is so important, and would set a decisive tone for Manchester United’s new beginning.
Early transfer sets direction
Since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked, Manchester United have lacked direction. It has filtered through to the players.
Fred told The Guardian in February: “It’s a bit strange. I know in football it’s important to get good results as soon as possible but it’s also important to have a long-term plan. I think it’s a little bit bad for us not to have one [a permanent manager].”
Getting an early transfer over the line will show Ten Hag is being backed, and demonstrate real positive intent that Manchester United’s attempts to rebuild are clicking into gear.
United fly out for pre-season in early July. A report from The Telegraph claims Ten Hag will look for players to rejoin training on June 27.
Having a new arrival or two, hopefully more, will lift morale, for the players and the fanbase.
Early transfer sets the tone
Remember the infamous summer of 2013 under David Moyes? It still haunts us. Ed Woodward’s first window as CEO was a disaster.
United finally have a new CEO in charge, at the same time as a new manager, which wasn’t a good mix nine years ago. It took until late August 2013 to clinch a deal, an over priced Marouane Fellaini.
Richard Arnold needs to demonstrate he can get the job done, and deliver Erik ten Hag his top targets.
If United are able to deliver an early transfer and sign one of Ten Hag’s desired players in his first week in the job, it will demonstrate a major shift.
This can build momentum too. More could quickly follow, with players attracted by seeing what Ten Hag is looking to create. The longer it drags on without any incomings, the more uncertainty there will be.