Manchester United left for their pre-season tours of Thailand and Australia on Friday as Eric Ten Hague’s charge began preparations for the first season.
The Dutchman has entered the transfer market from Feyenoord with a-13m hold of left-back tires Malaysia, while Christian Eriksson is expected to follow suit immediately as a free agent.
Some optimism has returned to Old Trafford after a disappointing summer, but Ten Hague now has the opportunity to work with his players for almost three weeks as he keeps his eye on the team.
Ten Hague has a lot of problems to deal with while away – especially around Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo has told United he wants to leave and the club still do not know if he will be part of the tour after missing training this week for “family reasons”.
Here, ESPN takes a look at Ten Hague’s to-do list ahead of United’s summer tour.
– Carlson: What Malaysia brings to United
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How strong is the shaft?
Ten Hague has seen its players in Carrington for the first time in two weeks, but they will learn more during matches against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Tuesday’s match against Liverpool in Bangkok, in particular, will give him a first impression of the quality difference with Jurgen Klopp’s side. They are benchmarks with Manchester City. Ten Hague has already insisted that despite finishing second in the Premier League under Wet Gunnar Solskjयरr in 2020-21, they still believe it is a strong team and if this confidence is maintained properly the first chances will be seen.
Can United face without Ronaldo?
Ronaldo’s future is now the biggest problem facing Ten Higgs, he has made it clear to the club that he wants to leave, while United are insisting he is not available for transfer, but at some point, he will be given something.
The main question for Ten Hague is whether they need Ronaldo. The 37-year-old scored 24 times last season but Ten Hague will have to adapt his playing style to make the Portuguese star play his best. Agreeing to leave Ronaldo risks diverting the main source of the goal, but it could give Ten Hague more strategic freedom to play as he pleases.
What is the best location for Rashford?
It is linked to Ronaldo. Marcus Rashford would prefer to play to the left of the front three, but if Ronaldo goes ahead he could be moved into center forward action. Mason Greenwood has been suspended by the club and Edinson Cavani has been left out, leaving Rashford and Anthony Marshall as the other recognized strikers on the team. The duo had a campaign where they have scored more than 20 goals, but Rashford managed just five last season, returning from a disappointing debt at Marshall Sevilla.
Does Marshall have a future?
To further complicate matters, Marshall’s future is also in the air. United have been open to offers for the Frenchman most of the summer but have not received a serious bid and are set to have two years left on their contract. At his best, Marshall has the dynamism and ability to be a destructive center, but Ten Hague must first find a way to keep him motivated and interested.
Which players can leave?
Marshall’s future looks uncertain, but he’s not alone. Alex Tales, Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailey, Brandon Williams, Phil Jones and Aaron Van-Bisaka are all expected to go on the preseason trip, but it is doubtful whether they will all be United players until the transfer window closes in September. 1. Ten Hague will not be able to let go before the campaigns in the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but there will not be enough opportunities for all. Making money through outgoing is also important to increase United’s summer budget.
Who should be the next captain of United?
It may seem trivial who wears armbands, but last season it caused problems and needs to be addressed. The power struggle between Harry Maguire and Ronaldo caused a rift in the dressing room and they will have to patch up on the tour of Thailand and Australia. Sources told ESPN that Maguire is happy with the discussion with Ten Hague, but the easiest thing for the Dutchman is to vote among the captain players.
What young people are ready for action?
Many players from the academy are expected to travel to Bangkok on Friday, and Ten Hague will have to decide who will be with the youth teams next season, who will be on loan and who will be in the first-team squad. , Winger Alejandro Garnacho should have a chance to impress after winning the Under-18 Youth Cup last season, while midfielder James Garner, still only 21, returned to the club after helping Nottingham Forest win a promotion in the Premier League through the playoffs.