Man Utd’s Master Plan Unveiled: Erik ten Hag Poised for Monumental Backing in Long-Awaited Transfer Deal
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is expected to receive significant transfer funding this summer at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have reportedly been working on a move for Napoli star Kim Min-jae since October. Links to the South Korean international have grown in recent years after he assisted his club in winning the Serie A title. And, with Erik ten Hag allegedly due to receive significant transfer funding this summer, a move to Old Trafford appears to be on the cards.
According to Fabrizio Romano of GiveMeSport, United have been working on a deal for Kim since last year, sending scouts to routinely see the youngster in action.
“For Kim, we have to say that Manchester United started to work on this deal at the end of October and the beginning of November,” he said.
“They have been sending their scouts and they have always been in attendance to follow Kim Min-jae with Napoli.
“He has been putting in excellent performances and he has been the best centre-back of the season, for sure, in Serie A.
“He is doing very, very well.”
United are looking for a replacement for Harry Maguire, who is expected to be let go.
Ten Hag’s pecking order has shifted this season, with the 53-year-old appearing to prefer the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof.
Even Luke Shaw, a natural left-back, has been favoured to Maguire.
And the revelation of United’s pursuit of Kim follows rumours over the weekend that Ten Hag was likely to receive significant backing at the end of the season.
According to French media, the Glazers and Sheikh Jassim agreed on a transfer strategy in the face of a probable Qatari takeover.
United, it was stated, is set to astound everyone by spending more money than they have ever spent before.
Kim was mentioned, with the Napoli star touted as one among the players United hopes to sign in order to fight Manchester City for the Premier League title next season.
But he’s not the only one on their radar.
United are looking for a new No. 9 this summer, as Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst have been far too unreliable for Ten Hag’s liking.
Harry Kane is their major goal, with the England international delivering for Tottenham despite their struggles this season.
However, Dusan Vlahovic and Victor Osimhen of Juventus and Napoli, respectively, are being watched from the sidelines.
Despite Marcus Rashford’s superb performances this season, United appear to want to sign a new left winger.
They are interested in Kingsley Coman and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Bayern Munich and Napoli may want high amounts for their top assets.
Regardless of what happens with Marcel Sabitzer, United is hoping to sign a new midfielder.
Despite the fact that the Netherlands international has stated how much he enjoys his playing at Barcelona, another bid for Frenkie de Jong may be launched.
And rumors that they are interested in Adrien Rabiot have recently gained traction.
Ten Hag claimed earlier this month that players were’really keen’ to join United, in stark contrast to a year ago.
“I see a big difference in comparison with last year,” said the Dutchman.
“There were a lot of reservations last year when I spoke with players and now many players see the project, what’s going on, the dynamic and the ambition in this project, the quality especially.
“They are really keen to come, I’ve noticed that… This year, many quality players really want to come.”
He added: “Expectations are higher but also we have to acknowledge where we were last season and the last seasons.
“We have to rebuild and reconstruct. We are in that process and in the right direction.
“You can see that in the way we play, we are more proactive. You can see it in how we won already one trophy, we are in another final.
“I think we are in the right direction and we’re also in the top four at the moment and we have to stay there.
“Of course, we have to get better every day, we have to work and improve. That is the demand on everyone at this club, the staff and the players especially, but also anyone else.”
