Erik ten Hag to copy Guardiola after season ends

Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is reportedly planning to copy the successful tactics of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola by signing a new goalkeeper to transform the club’s fortunes next season.

The Dutch manager is said to be determined to address the issue of playing the ball out from the back, which is currently a weakness in United’s game, and believes a new goalkeeper could provide the solution.

Ten Hag’s plans were revealed following United’s disappointing exit from the Europa League this week.

The club suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Sevilla, which raised doubts among the United hierarchy about the suitability of current goalkeeper, David De Gea, as the number one choice. De Gea’s calamitous display in Spain has reportedly led to concerns about extending his contract, which is set to expire this summer.

The Mirror has reported that as many as 12 senior players could be axed this summer as part of Ten Hag’s second phase of United’s rebuild, with injury-prone Anthony Martial, as well as Harry Maguire and De Gea, among those tipped to depart.

Erik ten Hag is said to be seeking a goalkeeper who is capable of playing the ball out from the back, and sees the acquisition of a new goalkeeper as key to United’s ability to challenge for the title next season.

The Mirror noted that Ten Hag is “aware” of the transformation of Manchester City and Liverpool following the acquisitions of new goalkeepers, and believes that United could benefit from a similar signing.

Guardiola replaced long-term number one Joe Hart with Ederson, while Klopp signed Alisson Becker from Roma for a reported £66.8 million in 2018. Both new goalkeepers are noted for their ball-playing ability, which has helped transform their respective clubs into title contenders.

United are currently in talks with De Gea over a new deal on reduced terms, but Ten Hag’s plans may lead to a change in direction for the club’s transfer strategy. United will be hoping to bounce back from their Europa League disappointment and mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title next season under Ten Hag’s leadership.