Erik ten Hag reports on Manchester United transfer as Manuel Ugarte remains a target

Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United need to “catch up” to improve their squad depth in the summer transfer window.

United have already bolstered their attack with the signing of striker Joshua Zirkzee in a £36.5m deal and the £52.18m arrival of defender Leny Yoro.

At his first pre-season press conference at United’s training base at UCLA, Ten Hag stressed there is no set number of autographs he wants. “No, just the strongest possible team,” he clarified.

“We’ve already had two very good signings. So when everyone is fit we have a team that can beat everyone, but we have to catch up because we’ve had injuries.

“We are vulnerable and we have to avoid that with fewer injuries, and secondly, our squad has to be so good. The quality we have in depth has to catch up with us, but even more so because this season will be survival of the fittest.”

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Ten Hag confirmed that United are open to strengthening in every position amid uncertainty over the future of several players. United want to sell right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, centre-back Victor Lindelof and need to move a midfielder to strengthen the area, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte the favorite target.

Tyrell Malacia’s absence from the pre-season tour of the United States could also help United for a left-back. With Luke Shaw unavailable following his involvement in the European Championship, academy players Sam Murray and Harry Amass are United’s only left-backs on the tour.

“We are looking at all positions to strengthen and we are looking for a plan in our team to make sure we are always busy,” Ten Hag emphasized.

“We are busy (at centre-back) but we are working continuously and the good thing is that we have already signed two players, but I think it belongs to a club like Manchester United that you always look for if the opportunity is better and we still have until August 30. “

Ten Hag briefly touched on Ineos’ decision to keep him after a 17-day review at the end of the season.

“We are now in a new season, we have left everything behind, we are looking forward, it is a great project, the process is beautiful, it will go with ups and downs and now we are very energetic. A good dynamic, a good spirit, looking forward, we want to work and we want to win.

“I never think about whether I’m in a strong or weak position. You’re probably right, but when you take over a dressing room that hasn’t won a trophy in six years, then you have to prove yourself. But I don’t I don’t think I’m strong or I’m weak.

“I want to collaborate, I want to work together, I can’t do it alone. With the players, the staff, the management, everyone and I’m sure that with the right vision we will be even more successful.”