Erik ten Hag provides update on Man Utd's search for new centre-back
- Man Utd have signed two players already this summer
- Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and Lille defender Leny Yoro have joined Red Devils
- Erik ten Hag has asked for further additions to his squad though admitted they are 'occupied' at centre-back
By Sean Walsh
Erik ten Hag has stressed Manchester United must 'catch up' in terms of improving their squad depth, though admitted they are 'occupied' at centre-back.
United have been one of the Premier League's busier teams in the summer transfer window thus far, bringing in two top young talents in Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and Lille defender Leny Yoro, who was signed from under the noses of Real Madrid.
Despite acquiring Yoro, the Red Devils could yet bring in another centre-back this summer. They have already seen two bids rejected for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, while talks have been held with Bayern Munich over Matthjis de Ligt, who rose to prominence at Ajax under Ten Hag's management.
Speaking to the media while on United's pre-season tour of the USA, Ten Hag was asked whether he had a specific number of summer signings in mind heading into the 2024/25 campaign.
"No, just the squad as strong as possible," he replied. "We already had a very good two buys. So when everyone is fit we have a team who can beat everyone 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 quality we have in depth we have to catch up but even more because this season will be the survival of the fittest."
Ten Hag added: "We are looking in all of the positions to reinforce and we are looking for a plan in our squad to reassure ourselves we are always occupied.
"We are occupied [at centre back] but we work continually and the good thing is we already signed two players but I think it belongs to a club as Manchester United that you are always looking if the opportunity is better and we still have time until August 30."
Recent reports have suggested further United incomings will hinge on their ability to shift squad players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof. Casemiro, Antony, Christian Eriksen, Jadon Sancho, Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay have also been linked with exits.
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