Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has revealed that he wants to bring a centre-back, central midfielder and centre-forward to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.
The Red Devils posted their worst-ever finish in the Premier League last term, ending the campaign down in eighth, but they have qualified for the 2024-25 Europa League courtesy of their 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at the end of last month.
There remains huge uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag's future at the helm, with a final decision on the Dutchman allegedly not yet being made.
However, Ten Hag is looking ahead to next season, and the Dutchman has identified three positions that the club need to target if they are to enjoy a more successful 2024-25.
"We need to get a striker in to work alongside Rasmus Hojlund. I also hope we manage to get another central midfielder and also a replacement for Varane," The Mirror quotes Ten Hag as saying.
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Ten Hag wants a centre-back, central midfielder and centre-forward
"Then I think things will look very good for next season - with the caveat that the players are fit and stay fit. Then you can start playing towards the top four with such an eleven. That gives me hope and is also realistic in my eyes.
"The plan last year was clear: we buy a striker and get a goalkeeper who is able to shape the football from behind, and an extra midfielder. That was the approach and in theory we would then be stronger and be able to take the next step.
"But practice turned out to be completely different. That has mainly to do with all the injuries, especially in defence. We have had injuries all over the squad.
"That, in a nutshell, was what the core of this season was. I had a very clear idea of the direction we needed to go (last year), but because of all these injuries, and some other off-field issues, you never get that done."
A final decision on Ten Hag is believed to be imminent, but the Dutchman is confident that the club's new owners want to 'build with him' despite the difficulties of the 2023-24 campaign.
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Ten Hag confident he will remain in charge of Man United
"I believe that the new owners want to change everything - but build with me. At least that is what they say directly to me and what they express," he added.
"Despite all the hustle and bustle, every day I focus completely on the team, to make it play football as well as possible. I do notice that certain processes are in place. With people within the organisation, but also in terms of the environment.
"Our Carrington training complex is going to be completely demolished, a whole new complex is going to come in its place. They are tackling all sorts of things, starting with the infrastructure.
"When I came here, it was already unsettled. The club was in a transition phase. Now, with the change of ownership, everything is really upside down. This does not have to be a bad thing for the club, as all intentions will undoubtedly be good. The future will tell."
Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel, who are both available this summer, remain the favourites to replace Ten Hag at Man United, should the club decide to move in a different direction.
Matt Law
