Erik ten Hag confirms the positions he would like to strengthen at Manchester United

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has pinpointed the areas he would like to strengthen with new signings.

The 52-year-old was speaking in his first press conference of the club’s pre-season tour which sees us face Liverpool in Bangkok, Thailand, at 2pm tomorrow.

While the former Ajax manager has taken a 31-man squad with him on the club’s tour, the Dutchman was asked about the club’s plans in the transfer market.

Netherlands international and former Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia was the club’s first signing to kick off the Ten Hag era.

But no further incomings have yet been announced and Manchester United’s Premier League campaign kicks off in 27 days time.

Erik ten Hag confirms the positions he would like to strengthen at United

Following the departures of Paul Pogba, who has re-joined Juventus, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata all as free agents, it’s no surprise that Ten Hag specifically mentioned the midfield department as an area he would like to bolster.

“At my first press conference, I said already that definitely we are searching for players in the midfield and I think that we have a need,” said Ten Hag.

“But also, in offence, we are still looking for players. We want to have the right players. We have a really good squad. We are working to develop our way of playing. If the opportunity is there [to sign players], then we will strike.”

His primary transfer target is Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong who he managed during his time in charge of the Amsterdam giants.

But when quizzed and pressed about reuniting with the talented 25-year-old, Ten Hag remained tight-lipped and respectful to the Nou Camp side.

Erik replied: “I never talk about players who are not under contract at Manchester United, players from different clubs.

“So I cannot tell you anything about this issue.”

Christian Eriksen is set to undergo a medical and could join Manchester United’s tour in Melbourne.

While the Danish playmaker looks set to become Ten Hag’s second signing, our new manager is also keen to sign Ajax duo Lisandro Martinez and Antony.

If Ten Hag gets his transfer wish granted then Manchester United will sign the five players that have Ajax connections, but with the new Premier League season drawing ever nearer, fans will be hoping for positive news on the transfer front.