Transfer Centre

Erik ten Hag provides Manchester United transfer update

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 31 August 2022

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag says that Antony and Martin Dubravka are likely to be the club's final two signings of this summer's transfer window.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that Antony and Martin Dubravka are likely to be the club's final two signings of this summer's transfer window.

The Red Devils have reached an agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Antony, while Dubravka is set to move to Old Trafford on an initial loan deal from Newcastle United.

There have been claims that the club are in talks with Barcelona over a loan deal for Sergino Dest, but the move would allegedly only have been possible had Aaron Wan-Bissaka departed, and Ten Hag has said that the Englishman will be staying with the club this summer.

"First, we have to sign him," Ten Hag said when asked about Antony. "So there's an agreement between the clubs but the paperwork is not done so I can't go too deep.

"Offensive department, we still need to strengthen our squad because we have many games to cover, from now we go three games a week, every third or fourth day.

Ajax attacker Antony pictured on February 23, 2022 © Reuters

"As you know, especially from offensive players, they fatigue quicker, they have to run more, higher intensity, we expect that from them. We don't only need quantity, we need quality.

"Will that be the end of the signings? I think so, [that] for this window, it will be the end. But when there is great opportunity, you have to be always alert as a top club.

"Aaron is in and we will keep [him], he will stay in. So this squad will go from September until the minimum, January. We will play with this squad [for] the season."

Ten Hag also reiterated that the club are planning to keep hold of Cristiano Ronaldo amid the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

"Clear. Of course. What I just said, we need quality players and you need more to cover all the games to keep also the consistency going. That is what we strive for," said the Dutchman when asked about the plans for the 37-year-old moving forward.

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo during the warm-up on August 22, 2022 © Reuters

Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro have arrived at Old Trafford this summer, and they were all involved in last weekend's 1-0 win over Southampton.

Andreas Pereira, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Lee Grant have all left the club on a permanent basis.

Meanwhile, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles, Dean Henderson, Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez have moved on loan, and Amad Diallo is also believed to be on the verge of securing a short-term exit.

Man United will be bidding to make it three straight league victories when they head to Leicester City on Thursday before welcoming Arsenal to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.