Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Erik ten Hag told three Man Utd positions he has to upgrade but warned against any ‘panic buying’

Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag

Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag

Former Manchester United defender Patric Evra has urged Erik ten Hag to focus on three positions that he needs to strengthen in the January transfer window.

The Red Devils have already been dealt a significant blow before the window has even opened after Liverpool hijacked their proposed move for highly-rated PSV attacker Cody Gakpo.

The Netherlands winger is set to move to Anfield for a fee that could to as much as £50million.

Ten Hag had made the forward one of his top targets for the new year after United decided to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract.

However, he will have to switch his focus to other targets now after PSV announced on Boxing Day that Gakpo is Anfield bound.

While Evra has called on his old club to be active in the next window, he also thinks they need more than just another forward.

Speaking to Betfair, he said: “You always expect to strengthen. But I don’t want to go into the transfer window panicking and buying players because the fans and media are pushing for it.

“We need to add something to the squad so we can perform much better.

“We’re probably going to need a striker, I definitely think we need a defender.

“Diogo Dalot is doing a job, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has just disappeared, so I don’t know if we need another right-back. We have competition between Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

“I definitely think we need a centre-back, a striker and a midfielder. That kind of Casemiro player, we still need experience.

“I’m sure Ten Hag is working with the club and they will try to get something sorted.”

Man Utd player exits also on the cards

Despite Evra wanting the focus to be on incomings, he also recognizes the fact that some players could leave.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has played just four minutes of Premier League football this season and could return to Crystal Palace.

There is also a strong feeling Anthony Elanga could be loaned out to get more game time. A similar scenario could also happen with Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek, who has only one league game.

Reflecting on potential outgoings, Evra added: “This transfer window for United also depends on which players are going to leave.

“I think there are players that are not happy about not playing and they will try to leave.”

Whatever happens in January it does appear that United are in for a busy one. Especially given how open the race for the top four is this season.

READ MORE: Man Utd dealt potential transfer blow as Barcelona close in on agreement to keep defensive sensation