“Luke Shaw has been having serious Injury problems. We can’t have that type of player here. He can’t play up to 10 games each season. We need to secure the talented Spanish Left-back before he decides to go back to Real Madrid” Erik ten Hag makes his feelings clear after finding the perfect Luke Shaw alternative at Manchester United after contacting the player and his agent.

Manchester United’s summer transfer window was characterized by high activity and anticipation as the club aimed to reinforce its squad with five key acquisitions. Under the leadership of Erik ten Hag, the club sought to build on the previous season’s FA Cup victory. However, despite the flurry of signings, they fell short of securing a major attacking player. Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano highlighted their failed pursuit of Dutch international Xavi Simons, whom they missed out on during the window’s final stages.

For Ten Hag, the objective was not just to plug gaps but to enhance the squad’s overall quality, particularly in defense and midfield, to compete at the highest levels. With aspirations for a Champions League return, United’s transfer strategy focused on adding depth, youth, and tactical flexibility to help the team excel across multiple competitions.

One standout signing was Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, costing £36.5 million. Zirkzee’s versatility and goal-scoring prowess add firepower to an attack that lacked consistency last season. His acquisition underscores Ten Hag’s ambition to build a formidable forward line capable of competing in both domestic and international competitions.

In defense, United secured Leny Yoro from Lille for £52 million. The 18-year-old French talent, highly sought after by European giants, brings exceptional defensive awareness and composure, fitting perfectly into Ten Hag’s possession-based style. Yoro’s arrival represents a long-term investment in strengthening United’s backline.

In a significant double deal from Bayern Munich, United signed defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui for a combined £50 million. De Ligt, one of Europe’s premier center-backs, brings much-needed leadership and stability to United’s defense, which has been inconsistent in recent seasons. Mazraoui, a versatile right-back who can also play in midfield, offers Ten Hag the tactical flexibility he desires.

On deadline day, United secured Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for £42 million. Ugarte’s aggressive style and ability to transition play from defense to attack should provide a boost to United’s midfield options, offering depth as the team prepares for both domestic and European competitions.

Despite these positive additions, there was disappointment surrounding the failure to sign Xavi Simons, a creative Dutch midfielder identified by Ten Hag as a key target. Simons, who impressed at Euro 2024, opted to remain with RB Leipzig for another season rather than make the move to England. Romano revealed that United had initiated inquiries about Simons before Euro 2024 but were unable to secure his signature.

On the field, United’s start to the season has been inconsistent, with the team sitting 10th in the Premier League after four matches. However, a 3-0 victory over Southampton and a dominant 7-0 League Cup win against Barnsley have shown flashes of the team’s potential, with new signings beginning to gel.

As United prepares for their upcoming match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, they will be looking to build momentum and secure back-to-back league victories. This game will test both the adaptability of the new players and the squad’s overall cohesion as they push for a top-four finish.

Although missing out on Simons was a setback, Manchester United’s summer signings have provided a solid foundation for the season ahead. With the additions of Zirkzee, Yoro, De Ligt, Mazraoui, and Ugarte, fans are optimistic that the squad has the quality and depth needed to compete for Champions League qualification. Simons remains a potential future target, and while he chose to stay in Germany for now, a move to Old Trafford could still be possible in the coming seasons. For now, Ten Hag’s focus will be on maximizing the talent within the current squad to achieve success on all fronts.