Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hinted at the possibility of signing another centre-back before the transfer window closes on August 30, despite the club’s recent £59 million acquisition of 18-year-old Leny Yoro from Lille.
United still have their sights set on bolstering their defense. While Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite interests them, they have balked at Everton’s £70 million valuation. A more feasible target is Bayern Munich’s Matthijs De Ligt, who could be available for £42 million.
Ten Hag commented on the situation: “I think we are occupied [in that position] but we work continually. The good thing is that we have already signed two players, but a club like Manchester United is still looking—if the opportunity is there—for better options, and we still have time until August 30.”
Last season, over 60 injuries, mostly in defense, plagued United. Ten Hag acknowledges that the increased European schedule will likely lead to more players being sidelined due to the additional fixture burden.
“We already made our decisions [to address the injury situation],” said Ten Hag, “We appointed a new club doctor last season and he started late in the season, but now he can start fresh and be in the lead. We also appointed a new head physio, so we made changes, We also changed strategies in medical and performance to improve, but that is normal.
“Now in football, the developments are so fast, every time you have to innovate and if you want to be the best, you also need the best in those departments.
“There were so many reasons [for the injuries last season]. The amount of games, the fixture list, the load on the players, the pressure on the players is so high and we’re not the only team with so many injuries.
“We were not even the worst. Our bad luck was that we had them at the end of the season, in the back four, and it cost us a lot of points.
“The load and pressure on players is immense, with the new model in Europe. It’s survival of the fittest. The players have to work in the right way because the standards are so high and you have to fulfil them and reach the highest standards, not only on game day, but every day.”
As United continues to navigate the transfer market, Ten Hag’s focus remains on strengthening the squad to handle the demanding season ahead.
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