Erik ten Hag has bluntly told Sir Jim Ratcliffe “we need more players” after Manchester United disappointed in their first pre-season friendly. The Dutchman was unhappy with his side’s performance in their 1-0 defeat by Rosenborg on Monday.
A squad made up of first-team and academy players were beaten by a last-minute goal from the Norwegian outfit, who are midway through their season. United expect to welcome back plenty of international stars over the coming weeks as they accelerate plans for the new Premier League campaign.
Ten Hag has also made his first signing of the summer window, with Joshua Zirkzee arriving from Bologna. But the United boss wants more new arrivals and has made a demand to INEOS and the Old Trafford hierarchy.
“I think we showed we can beat the best team in the world on the last occasion of the season,” said Ten Hag, referring to United’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.
“So when everyone is fit, we already have a good team and can achieve a high level. But also, we know in terms of the depth, we need more players. Especially this season – again, more games, the new model, the new format of Europe – you’ll have more games in a season, more intense games.
“No winter break and a January that’s very condensed. So you need squad depth. Then it’s more and more about the survival of the fittest.”
Ten Hag added that United need ‘fresh energy’. Zirkzee has arrived as an extra attacking option but the Red Devils remain short in defence and midfield.
“We won two trophies in two seasons,” the 54-year-old continued. “Apart from City, that’s more than any other club in English football.
“What we achieved in the structure we had, with the staff we had, it’s a big achievement, but I think we have higher ambitions. We set ourselves higher targets.
“So then, all the time, you have to improve. People felt it was the right moment to step away and go for new challenges, because they wanted to go in for different roles. But what we need – and I feel we have this in – is fresh energy, a new dynamic and innovation. I have the feeling we’ve got this.”
United are waiting on a decision from Leny Yoro. A £42million offer for the centre-back is widely reported to have been accepted by Lille. There is also interest in Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
