Harry Maguire [5]

Erik Ten Hag has confirmed that he has ended his contract at Ajax early to start his new job as Manchester United manager before the end of the season. Such is the almighty task before him, the Dutch tactician is seemingly intent on making a headstart on what should prove to be a hugely important transfer window for the Old Trafford club. 

Manchester United fans would be forgiven for already growing wary of how the summer transfer window is going for their club. While their cross-city rivals Manchester City have signed one of the most exciting players in the world in Erling Haaland and Liverpool have now completed their business for the off-season, the Old Trafford side are struggling to nail down a single transfer target. 

Wesley Fofana did not have many opportunities to recommend himself for a record transfer last season. The Frenchman only returned to Leicester’s squad late in the campaign after recovering from a fractured fibula. Nevertheless, Chelsea are apparently willing to dig deep into their pockets for the youth international. Despite an offer from London that would make Fofana the most expensive defender in the Blues’ history, the Foxes are adamant to keep the 21-year-old, as L'Équipe reports.

Manchester United fans may have concluded the 2022/23 season with very little to celebrate, following Manchester City’s historic treble win across English and European football, but one sign of hope could undoubtedly be found through the manner in which Erik ten Hag’s side concluded the Premier League campaign. 

Manchester United have been engulfed by problems this season but they return to English Premier League action this weekend against Everton as the in-form team across the last five games. Erik ten Hag has been heavily scrutinised this season but United are just five points off the top four and seven points from leaders Manchester City. Context, however, is important as the Old Trafford side faced three of the league’s bottom six sides - Fulham, Luton Town and Sheffield United - as they racked up four wins from their last five to head into the international break. An ominous fixture list awaits United in December in the league and they also risk being knocked out of the Champions League, but an easing of their injury crisis in defence should provide slight optimism.

Manchester United have endured a difficult season and that’s resulted in their overall market value falling more than any other English Premier League club to €799.35 million in the latest Transfermarkt update. Erik ten Hag enjoyed a successful debut campaign, leading United to third place and their first trophy in six years with the League Cup. The improvement was expected to continue this season after investing €203.4m in the summer with Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund all high-profile arrivals.