Manchester United has recently bolstered their lineup with the arrivals of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee.
Despite these additions, Erik ten Hag remains focused on further strengthening the squad this summer.
Erik ten Hag is firm on his belief that Manchester United needs more depth in their squad.
He emphasized that this season will be all about endurance, stating, “It will be survival of the fittest.”
Last season, United was plagued by injuries, with nearly 70 separate cases sidelining key players throughout the year.
In response, the club has already invested £59 million in Lille’s Leny Yoro and £36.6 million in Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee.
However, Ten Hag isn’t stopping there; he aims to secure additional signings before the transfer window closes.
Addressing Squad Depth
When asked about the number of new additions he envisions, Ten Hag responded with a focus on enhancing squad strength overall.
“We’ve made two excellent signings, and with everyone fit, we have a team capable of beating anyone,” he said.
Yet, he acknowledged that the current depth is lacking, partly due to last season’s injury issues.
“We need to catch up in terms of squad depth. We must reduce injuries and improve our depth to remain competitive.”
Targeting New Signings
The club is also looking to reinforce their full-back positions and is eyeing a defensive midfielder if Casemiro or Scott McTominay are transferred.
Additionally, Manchester United is in the hunt for another central defender, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt on their radar.
“We’re actively seeking improvements and have already made two signings,” Ten Hag noted.
“It’s essential for a club like Manchester United to continuously explore better opportunities, and we still have time until August 30 to finalize our plans.”
Medical Staff Changes
To combat last season’s injury woes, United has revamped their medical team, bringing in club doctor Gary O’Driscoll and head physio Jordan Reece from Arsenal.
“There were various factors affecting our injury crisis last season, including the number of games and the intense fixture list,” Ten Hag explained. “We’re not alone in facing such challenges, but the injuries, particularly in defense, cost us valuable points.”
New Strategies for Improvement
Ten Hag acknowledged the high demands placed on players under the new European model, stressing the need for continuous adaptation and innovation.
“Our standards are incredibly high, and it’s crucial that our players meet these expectations every day,” he said. “We’ve made strategic changes in our medical and performance departments to address these issues and stay at the forefront of football advancements.”
With these efforts, Ten Hag is determined to ensure Manchester United is prepared for the challenges ahead and can sustain a competitive edge throughout the season.