Erik ten Hag blasted over Manchester United transfers

Erik ten Hag has been blasted by Robbie Savage over Manchester United summer transfers. The former Red Devils midfielder claim that United had a ‘bizarre’ transfer window. According to him, the failure to sign a centre-back that will improve the squad will cost his former side this season.

The 48-year-old admitted that he was confused by the club’s transfer business this summer.

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United spent around £172m on six signings that included Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount. Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir and Jonny Evans had also completed their permanent transfer deals.

Meanwhile, Sofyan Amrabat and Sergio Reguilon had arrived on loan on deadline day.

United have lost their two away games so far this season. The dramatic defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates last Sunday the most recent.

Ten Hag had ended the game at the Emirates with a back four of Dalot, Evans, Maguire and Wan-Bissaka. This was following injury to Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof during the game.

Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw are already long-term absentees. Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Mount and Tyrell Malacia are also sidelined.

And for Savage, United’s ‘bizarre’ window has failed to address their issues.

Speaking exclusively to Planet Sport Bet, Savage said: ‘What I can’t understand is why Manchester United have not brought in a centre-back who can improve the squad, that is the glaring position which they need. Against Arsenal they finished the game with what are probably their fourth and fifth choice centre-backs on the pitch.

Manchester United had a ‘‘bizarre’ summer transfer according Robbie Savage

‘They reached two cup finals last year and finished third, now they are ending a game away to Arsenal with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot playing at left-back!

‘United knew about Raphael Varane’s injury record, they had Lisandro Martinez just coming back from injury, and even knowing these factors they only signed Jonny Evans on a one-year deal at the age of 35.

Knowing internally what the different situations were, I cannot understand why they didn’t go in for a centre-back. It is unbelievable to think that a club the size of Manchester United are in this situation.

‘I think it has been a bizarre transfer window and it has been evident that they needed a centre-back and they haven’t got one of the calibre to play for United right now. The question I would ask is whether Manchester United are now going backwards?’