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Erik ten Hag 'holds heart-to-heart talks with Manchester United players'

Erik ten Hag 'holds heart-to-heart talks with Man United players'
© Reuters
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag held heart-to-heart talks with every player in his first-team squad before they were released for the summer break, according to a report.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag reportedly held heart-to-heart discussions with every member of his first-team squad before they were released for the summer break.

A successful 2022-23 campaign for the Red Devils saw them finish third in the Premier League table, securing a return to the Champions League for the 2023-24 season.

The 20-time English champions also ended their six-year trophy drought by winning the EFL Cup at the end of February, in addition to reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League and final of the FA Cup.

According to The Sun, before the squad headed off for their summer break, Ten Hag sat down with every first-team player to discuss their role in the team.

The Dutchman allegedly made it clear that he is expecting to challenge for the Premier League title next season, believing that his side will be the main competition for reigning champions Manchester City.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag before the match on May 4, 2023© Reuters

Ten Hag's success during his first season at the helm is expected to lead to the Dutchman being backed with a healthy transfer budget during the upcoming market.

However, there is still uncertainty when it comes to the size of the budget, with the club's owners in discussions over a takeover, which has been ongoing since last November.

Atalanta BC's Rasmus Hojlund continues to be heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, and he is seen to be a more realistic signing than Harry Kane, with Tottenham Hotspur fighting to keep hold of their star player.

Chelsea's Mason Mount is thought to be the club's leading midfield target, although the Blues, as it stands, are believed to be unprepared to drop their £70m valuation of the England international.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured on October 19, 2022© Reuters

Mount's arrival would likely lead to at least one central midfielder leaving, with the futures of Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek all unclear at this stage of proceedings.

There will also be changes at the back, with Phil Jones's departure already confirmed, while Axel Tuanzebe, Brandon Williams, Eric Bailly and Alex Telles could all leave on a permanent basis.

There is also ongoing speculation surrounding the future of Harry Maguire, with Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Tottenham being linked with the Red Devils captain.

Napoli's Kim Min-jae is thought to be the club's leading defensive target, while a new goalkeeper is also expected to arrive, with Everton's Jordan Pickford being linked with a £30m switch to the club.

Man United will begin their preparations for the 2023-24 campaign with a friendly against Leeds United on July 12 before travelling to the United States for their pre-season tour.

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3Liverpool36239481384378
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5Tottenham HotspurSpurs361961171591263
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