Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag‘s first competitive game has ended in defeat. United were beaten 2-1 at home by Brighton and Hove Albion.
Heading into the game, United felt under cooked. Despite a promise of a summer window overhaul, the club have spent approximately £50 million net.
Two major gaps exist at centre-midfield and striker, while ideally, right-back and goalkeeper would also see an upgrade.
There is still time to add new players, and Erik ten Hag has confirmed he is looking to do so.
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Ten Hag confirms he wants more transfers
Ten Hag was cagey about making more additions in his pre-match press conference. The opening day defeat may have been an eye-opener.
Quoted by Dutch outlet FCUpdate: “We need more players. We have multiple targets. We are working on it. But we should have done better today with this team.”
He added of the disappointing defeat: “It’s all about results. We all know that we are in a process. There are still many things that need to be improved. We have to learn from this and then continue.”
The Dutchman would not be drawn on reports linking Marko Arnautovic with a move to the club, with The Athletic claiming a bid has been made.
He said: “I don’t go into names because I think, in this pre-season, 250 players are involved or linked to Man United.”
United’s lack of depth up front was exposed against Brighton, while the so-called first choice midfield pairing of Scott McTominay and Fred underperformed.
United are still pursuing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, although this deal has been on ice for the past month.
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