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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Erik ten Hag's Man Utd training ground presence has already impacted key area

Erik ten Hag's presence at Carrington has already seen Manchester United ramp up their transfer activity.

The Dutchman is looking to have new players added to the squad he will inherit as he gets to work in pre-season ahead of the Premier League opener against Brighton and Hove Albion. Thus far United have failed to add a single new face as they continue to falter in the market.

Ten Hag has handed over a set of targets as he attempts to address the club's problem areas. None have yet been secured though, all while United's rivals continue to bolster their ranks. But the MEN understands that having the new boss in and around the training ground has seen their urgency increase.

Frenkie De Jong remains their prime target with Ten Hag keen to reunite with a player whom he worked with at Ajax. A £70m deal was struck with Barcelona after weeks of talks. However the player is refusing to entertain the move and is determined to remain in Spain.

Christian Eriksen is another midfield target as he faces a decision following the expiry of his Brentford contract. He could remain in west London but may pursue pastures new. Defensive reinforcements are also being sought, but United have already faced knock backs.

Ajax centre-half Jurrien Timber was on Ten Hag's radar but he is now poised to turndown the Red Devils after an intervention from Louis van Gaal. His teammate Lisandro Martinez is now being targeted with Feyenoord's Tyrell Malacia also the subject of a bid.

Have Your Say! Will Man Utd finish in the top four next season? Tell us what you think here.

Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani have all left Manchester meaning the playing group is lacking in quality and experience. The club endured a forgettable season last term, meandering to a sixth place finish and a place in the Europa League.

Wholesale changes are required with a host of former players and pundits calling for a clear identity to be implemented at Old Trafford. Ten Hag has said previously: "I have confidence in the project, that we have the good people around, the right strategy. And from that point about a good platform, then now we have to start work."

United added the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho last summer but were unable to take the step forward they had hoped for and are now playing catch up as they look to end a silverware drought that dates back five years.

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