Injuries played an undeniable role in Manchester United’s Jekyll and Hyde campaign of 2023-24.
With 60-plus individual incidents encountered, Erik ten Hag has acknowledged the requirement to “catch up on squad depth” ahead of the new season.
The arrivals of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro have signalled a positive start to the transfer window, with ample suggestion the Old Trafford outfit will complete further business.
Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui remain targets – as does Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
A necessity for strength in depth
United ended a Premier League low of eighth last term, with the manager regularly acknowledging the need for further options in reserve.
“When everyone is fit, we have a team who can beat everyone,” Ten Hag told The Guardian. “But the squad depth – we have to catch up because we had injuries.
“We are vulnerable, and we have to avoid this by getting less injuries and second, our squad has to be that good.”
The 20-time English champions led the league in absentees, with key players spending more time in rehabilitation than on the playing field.
A concern of a repeat of events remains a priority for the Dutchman – something that he hopes can be addressed over the coming weeks.
“It’s survival of the fittest,” he added.
“One of the important things is for you to cover medical [excellence] and performance.
“The players have to work in the right way because the standards are so high, and you have to fulfil them, the highest standards, not only on game day but every day.”
Transfer discussions have entered ‘advanced stages’
A potential transfer of Mazraoui took significant developments yesterday afternoon.
The Munich man is keen on a move to England, with United eager to recruit his services.
Premier League rivals West Ham appeared to have agreed a deal for the Moroccan, with a fee set between the sides.
However, Florian Plettenberg yesterday stated that a London deal had collapsed, with Ten Hag’s side in ‘advanced talks’ with the Bundesliga outfit.
He is a versatile fullback with ability on either flank and would add additional options and depth.
The league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules dictate outgoings as a relevant discussion in future deals.
With Ugarte and De Ligt remaining high on the club’s wishlist, supporters can brace themselves for a busy period of activity over the coming weeks.
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