If you haven’t read the post on Erik ten Hag yet, we’d recommend reading it here first: https://www.gumbysports.com/post/who-is-erik-ten-hag-pep-2-0
We’ve identified five key positions that ten Hag will look to strengthen in the hopes of improving the current United squad and implement his own tactics.
Ball-playing Keeper
Unfortunately for United, most of the top ball-playing keepers all currently play for top clubs, so it will be difficult for United to pry them away.
However, there is one player who we think could be a brilliant addition to ten Hag’s new team. Emiliano Martinez.
Martinez is no stranger to the pressures of playing for a top club. In 2020, Martinez ended a 10-year spell at Arsenal and moved to Aston Villa in a £17 million deal. It’s time for him to return to a top six club.
Martinez passing stats - 21/22 season (so far)
de Gea passing stats - 21/22 season (so far)
Martinez is widely considered one of the best distributors of the ball. This season he’s averaged 26 passes a game with 70.7% pass success percentage. Yes, this isn’t much better than David de Gea’s 68.4%. But Ollie Watkins and Dany Ings for Villa aren’t exactly the same aerial threat that Cristiano Ronaldo is. So, we can cut him a bit of slack. In the 20-21 season, Martinez had 15 clean sheets compared to de Gea’s 9. This season he is also beating the Spaniard with 11 clean sheets to his 8.
Martinez Goalkeeping stats - 21/22 season (so far)
de Gea Goalkeeping stats - 21/22 season (so far)
De Gea is a better shot stopper. Crushing Martinez 125-81 in saves this season. But in this new ten Hag era at United, they need a ball playing keeper, someone comfortable on the ball. We think Martinez is that man. Currently valued at a whopping £80 million, it may be difficult for United to sway him away from Villa for a good price.
Ball-playing defender
Jurrien Timber
Surprisingly, there’s only one current Ajax player on this list. Jurrien Timber has been linked to United ever since the ten Hag rumours started.
At the ripe age of 20, Timber joined Ajay after a 4-year stint with the Feyenoord youth system. He has been a key member of the first team squad since the 20-21 season. Predominantly a centre-back, he can also play right back.
Many people consider Timber to be part of the new age of centre-backs. Similar to the like of Virgil van Dijk how are physical enough to compete with the best but also offer that killer instinct when on the ball.
In a previous post we highlighted how important a ball playing centre-back is to ten Hag. So, what better option is there than a young one that he’s already worked with. He also scores a 91.8% in pass success rate. Timber should be the top priority for ten Hag.
Defensive Midfielder
Arguably the most crucial position needed under ten Hag. United have lacked this since the days of Michael Carrick, Roy Keane etc. They’re going to need grit and leadership to shine at United.
Declan Rice. The midfielder on everyone’s lips right now. He needs to leave West Ham to further his career and United need a defensive midfielder. It makes sense. He ticks all the boxes. United will have to battle with the likes of Chelsea who will be desperate to bring Rice home.
With an average pass success rate of 91.7%, Rice is one of the most accurate passers in the world. Now, he doesn't do anything flashy. There's no crazy over the top lobbed balls. He only averages 0.6 key passes a game. But he will do the basics, and he'll do them very well. He'll be there to recycle the ball when there's no options going forward. Honestly, United need Rice. Solid and dependable.
We think Rice should be the priority. But if they fail with his signature. Kalvin Phillips is not a bad second choice by any means.
Phillips is too good to be playing for a team like Leeds. Although missing the majority of this season. No one can forget how crucial Phillips was for England during their Euro 2020 campaign.
His stats aren't as impressive as Rice's, but it's understandable considering the games that he's played. If Leeds get relegated, which is looking likely, teams will be lining up to secure Phillips's signature.
Inverted Winger
United need a lefty. The likes of Salah, Mahrez, Bale, Messi, Di Maria are only a few of the top quality left footed players that occupy that inverted winger role. Most top clubs have one. United need one. Jadon Sancho on the left is already one great option. If they add to him, they can create even more depth in their attack. Not to mention, ten Hag is all about the inverted wingers. They essentially play as right and left strikers in his formation because of the way his fullbacks push up the pitch.
So, who’s their best option?
Hakim Ziyech. Players transferring from Chelsea to United and vise versa isn’t unheard of. The likes of Matic, Mata and Lukaku all doing as much in recent times. So why should Ziyech follow suit? The former Ajax player would be accustomed to playing the ten Hag style of football. His left foot is wicked. We think he would walk into the United team.
Chelsea currently have too many options in attack. Lukaku, Havertz, Pulisic, Mount, Werner, Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi are all competing for a permanent place in Chelsea’s front three. As of now, it seems like Ziyech has lost his place. He hasn’t started a game in over a month. A player as exciting to watch as Ziyech needs to be on the pitch.
You may think that Ziyech's stats don't look that impressive. But the Moroccan is averaging a goal contribution once every two games in the Premier League and the Champions League. There are plenty of 'big' players like Rashford and Elanga at United that are failing to even get close to those stats.
Striker
Gianluca Scamacca
Dubbed the ‘Italian Zlatan’, Scamacca stands at the same height, 6’5. Only 23 years old, he idolised Ibrahimovic growing up and it’s evident in his play style. The way Scamacca moves off and on the ball is similar to that of the tall swede. Currently playing for Sassuolo in the Italian League, Scamacca is starting to prove his talent, and is making a real case for the Italian #9 jersey.
Yes, Manchester United have Ronaldo. But he’s 37. Even if he’s still in peak physical form, he’s bound to start declining eventually. If ten Hag wants to implement his high press. He may want a younger striker to lead his line.
Comparing Scamacca’s stats to Ronaldo may seem harsh. But this is the level he needs to aspire towards. This is not Ronaldo’s best season by any means, but if Scamacca were to move to United, you’d imagine for the start at least, that he would have a similar service to Ronaldo.
Even though the Premier League is considered a more difficult league, we’ll just compare domestic leagues, no European games as Sassuolo don’t feature in Europe. Scamacca has managed 14 goals in 23 games. Compared to Ronaldo’s 18 goals in 27 Games. A few hat-tricks have padded Ronaldo’s stats but if we’re honest? Scamacca isn’t far off the level Ronaldo is currently performing at. Imagine if he had more prolific players around him too. The numbers would look a lot more impressive.
Scamacca is a hot prospect right now. With Borussia Dortmund already opening up discussions with the Italian. Inter Milan, Roma, Arsenal, and Tottenham are all rumoured to be interested too. Valued at 35-40 million, United may have to act quick if they want to acquire his signature.
All stats taken from https://www.whoscored.com/ and the official Premier League website.
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