While all rivals have already bolstered the squad, Manchester United still have the advantage of first-time signings in this window.
Many supporters have expressed their displeasure on social media with the lack of movement, but TV 2 football expert Erik Thorstvedt is taking it all in apace.
– It’s become a separate industry to bring down United now. I see a lot of people chanting “Disaster,” but the most important thing for me is that they get something good in the end. It is not decided now. We’re still in June after all, Thorstvedt tells Nettavisen.
Thorstvedt also says we’ve now seen a bottoming point for United, and that the pieces will now fall into place as Tin Hag appears to have brought one or more Nationals to the club.
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– He’ll go straight to the team
Feyenoord left-back Terrell Malacia (21) will be almost ready for Manchester United, with their first signing expected this summer.
Paul Thomas Clay, who has commented on Dutch football for a number of years, believes the Dutchman is good enough to replace both Luke Shaw and Alex Telles right away.
– As I know Tin Hag, I think he chose Malacia to use immediately. He has a much higher working ability than Luke Shaw at least. He never seems to get tired, Clay tells Netavizen.
Clay highlights speed and fitness as his main strengths, and further describes him as a good press player who fits nicely into the Hague ten.
He is, first and foremost, a full-back who loves to join the front. Although it’s fast and usable, it’s not the kind of back-end to be left out in its own half. He can sometimes be too eager to dive forward, which means he leaves a lot of room behind, so he’ll probably improve a bit in those ratings.
The expert believes Manchester United are making a very good buy, and says he is reacting to the price, which was said to be £15m.
“If the price is right, it’s shockingly low, considering he’s so young and also has a lot of experience,” Clay says.
– Ten Hag extended arm
Another Dutchman who has been heavily rumored, but has yet to come to an agreement, is Frenkie de Jong.
The 25-year-old has varied a lot in his performance since coming to Barcelona, but he did very well at Ajax – when Tin Hag was the coach.
Clay believes Tin Hag understands de Jong in a very special way, and believes he would get far more from him than Barcelona have done so far if he signed for the club.
Frankie and Eric have very good chemistry. They have a good understanding of each other’s abilities, and share the same opinion on how to play football. Clay says De Jong is in many ways Ten Hag’s outstretched arm on the field.
The midfield has always been a problem for United. Bruno Fernandes did well in the First Division, but in the two deepest places in United’s 4-2-3-1 formation, McTominay and Fred – and sometimes Paul Pogba – were often dominant.
Clay points out that De Jong’s best position is just a duo behind an attacking midfielder.
– He’s better as one of the two deep in midfield. He fell a bit when he had to replace Busquets, and played deep alone. I think it will go well at first [å spille med McTominay eller Fred]but in the long run they probably have to bring in an extra midfielder.
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Several functions
Ajax midfielder Jurrien Timber is a long way from signing for United compared to the aforementioned players, but Tin Hag and the club’s scouts would be very interested in bringing the youngster to the club.
Despite the fact that the latest reports claim Timber wants to stay in the Netherlands, Clay is clear that the 21-year-old would be a good buy for the Hague ten.
– He is very good at putting the ball in his legs and can pass the ball through the joints. He’s not very tall or strong, but he has a very good understanding of game and timing, which is the verdict for Clay.
Timber is a very useful player, and has played as a midfielder, right-back and defensive midfielder this season.
Clay still thinks Ten Hag wants to bring the Dutchman to use in the right midfield position, as he was used so often in the Ajax era. He doesn’t think lack of fitness will be an issue in the Premier League.
– His physical profile is similar to Wesley Fofana, and he has succeeded quite well. You don’t have to be 2m tall and 95kg to be a good goalkeeper in the Premier League.
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