Manchester United have made strides this summer by bringing in Leny Yoro from Lille and Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
Despite these additions, manager Erik ten Hag feels the team still needs more depth to compete effectively.
According to Ten Hag, the upcoming season will be a test of endurance, emphasizing the need for a well-rounded squad.
Last season, Manchester United faced a brutal injury crisis, with nearly 70 separate cases leaving Ten Hag short of key players.
Even though the club has invested £59 million in Yoro and £36.6 million in Zirkzee, Ten Hag believes additional signings are crucial before the transfer window closes.
“We need the squad to be as strong as possible,” Ten Hag stated.
“We’ve made two excellent acquisitions, and when everyone is fit, we have a team that can compete with anyone.
However, our depth still needs improvement to prevent the vulnerabilities we experienced last season.”
United are eyeing further reinforcements, particularly in the full-back positions and potentially adding a defensive midfielder if Casemiro or Scott McTominay depart.
They are also exploring options for another central defender, with interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt.
“We’re always on the lookout for better opportunities,” Ten Hag noted.
“With time until the end of August, we’re focusing on strengthening all positions to ensure our squad is well-prepared.”
Improving Medical Support
To address last season’s injury issues, United recruited a new club doctor, Gary O’Driscoll, and head physio Jordan Reece from Arsenal.
The club has also revamped its medical and performance strategies to better manage player health.
Ten Hag explained, “The high number of injuries last season was due to various factors like the fixture list and the pressure on players.
Although we weren’t the worst affected, the injuries in our back-four cost us valuable points.
With the new model in European football, it’s essential to stay ahead with innovations in our medical and performance departments.”
Looking Ahead
The club’s proactive changes aim to mitigate past issues and enhance performance.
As Ten Hag prepares for a demanding season, the focus remains on building a resilient squad capable of meeting the high standards of modern football.