Will Ten Hag Get His Puzzle Pieces Before the Transfer Window Shuts?

Will Ten Hag get his players? Tick-tock! Tick-tock!

Source: Unsplash

Over the past few weeks, Ten Hag has cast quite the frustrated figure any time he has been in front of a camera. Whether he comes out and says it or not, it is clear that he is not satisfied with the transfer business done so far. Manchester United's inability to offload their deadwood has punctured what was seemingly an impressive summer window.

To start with, out-of-favour defender Harry Maguire has dug his heals in even after the club agreed a 30m pound deal with Westham, effectively blocking United's pursuit of Pavard and Jean-Clair Todibo.

Interestingly, recent reports suggest that Maguire is open to a loan move, which gives credence to rumours that he is unwilling to give up his significant salary at United. A loan move would effectively guarantee that Manchester United will continue to pay his salary and that he also gets the valuable play time that earns him a spot in the national team.

A loan move doesn't serve the club's interests. If Maguire continues to reject a permanent sale, the club must keep a hold of him and dump him in the reserves. After all, Johnny Evans is sticking around and would offer us much more quality on the ball than Maguire.

In midfield, the FFP straight-jacket continues to prevent any movement for a new signing. According to reports, Amrabat and Ryan Gravenberch are the main targets for Ten Hag's side. However, a failed loan move for Donny van de Beek and no concrete offers for Scott McTominay are holding up a bid for either of the players late in the window.

It is quite unfortunate for Ten Hag, especially when it is quite obvious that a Bruno, Mount and Casemiro midfield isn't working as intended. There is a need for more quality in those positions to allow Ten Hag to experiment with different dynamics. Without these options, fans will be in for a long season ahead.

An unexpected long-term injury to Luke Shaw has also suddenly forced Manchester United's search for a new left-back. Names such as Marc Cucurella, Sergio Reguilón, Marcos Alonso and Brentford's Henry are being linked with United. Frankly, quite an uninspiring bunch except for the impressive Henry who is unlikely to leave Brentford this late in the window.

Of the three left, Marc Cucurella seems to be the most viable option on loan from Chelsea. If he finds himself at the club, fans will have to hope that the player rediscovers his impressive Brighton form, at least until Luke Shaw can recover from his hamstring injury.

Finally, with all these emerging problems, Manchester United have three days left to give Ten Hag the tools he needs to mount a challenge for the league, or at the very least another trophy. Late deals for my preferred picks: Amrabat, Todibo and Cucurella will surely give the squad a much-needed boost, especially now that they will be competing in four different competitions.