Ten Hag told personal Man Utd favourite needs to move on with new £90m signing to guarantee title glory

Erik ten Hag has been told of the one signing he needs at Manchester United this summer and must pay whatever it takes if he wants the Red Devils to win the 2024 Premier League title.

The Dutchman has made a huge impression since taking charge at Old Trafford. United have already won the Carabao Cup to end their six-year trophy wait – and more could be about to come in the FA Cup. Indeed, they have been handed a home tie against Fulham in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Furthermore, they also hope to go deep into the Europa League and next face crack La Liga outfit Real Betis. However, after seeing off Barcelona, United will be confident of another positive result.

And with United also sitting third in the Premier League, the first season under Ten Hag has exceeded all expectations.

As a result, though, there are a great deal of people who are starting to discuss United as title contenders once again next season.

However, in order to further close the gap on Manchester City and league leaders Arsenal, Ten Hag will need some astute signings this summer.

To that end, a report on Wednesday claims United want to offload seven players who signed for a combined £253m. And in their place, he wants to make two blockbuster signings who can take the club to the next level.

Top of the United manager’s wishlist is a new, big-name striker. And the man at the top of their list of targets is seemingly Napoli dangerman Victor Osimhen.

However, Gabriel Agbonlahor is advising Ten Hag to look a little closer to home.

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Man Utd told to ditch Weghorst and sign Harry Kane

And the talkSPORT pundit believes Ten Hag must pay whatever it takes to prise Harry Kane away from Tottenham.

Furthermore, he believes Ten Hag must turn his back on loan frontman Wout Weghorst.

The towering Dutchman has been a virtual ever present since signing on loan from Burnley, via Besiktas. And while he has done a decent job, the 6ft 6in striker only has one goal and two assists from 16 appearances so far.

Discussing United’s prospects of the title next season and why Kane must be targeted, Agbonlahor had a clear message.

“If they had a Harry Kane in the side, I think they’d probably be joint-top of the table,” he told talkSPORT. “They’re not far behind. I look at Manchester City, and yes, they’ve probably got the best squad of players. But Man United, if they go and get a Harry Kane in the summer…

“Get him through the door. I don’t care what he costs – £70m, £80m, £90m. Whatever he costs, Harry Kane, go and get him. Put him in that side instead of Weghorst and Man United, for me, have got a complete side.

“Casemiro, [Christian] Eriksen, [Bruno] Fernandes, [Marcus] Rashford one side and Antony or [Alejandro] Garnacho the other side, defence is looking strong. That starting XI would match Man City and Arsenal for me next season so they’ve got to go all out.”

Weghorst hopes of permanent move hanging in the balance

Weghorst, however, will still hope he does enough this season to earn a permanent stay at Old Trafford.

While he has only signed for six months initially, he has already won the first trophy of his career on Sunday. No matter what happens, nobody can ever take that away from him.

However, he is very much setting his sights on a long-term stay at Old Trafford.

Speaking shortly after signing, the 30-year-old has made clear his wish to stay.

“It is fantastic to be here. The atmosphere, the away fans, the game that waves up and down. Wonderful. I’ve been here for over a week now. It’s going well,” he said.

Asked if he wants to stay, he responded: “Of course. But first I have to make sure I can be of value to the team and this club.”

Despite Weghorst making his feelings clear, Ten Hag appears likely to delay any decision until the end of the season.

That certainly looks a shrewd move.

Responding to claims he could make the move permanent, Ten Hag was offering a cagey response.

“I think it’s much too quick, much too soon to talk about that,” the Dutchman said. “First, we are in this season. That is where the only focus has to be. No distractions for what is coming next season.

“No, we are in this season and we are in the right positon in this moment. This is the position we want to be because we are competing in three competitions.”

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