Manchester United's transfer policy underwent a significant shift over the summer, with a renewed focus on young talent. The oldest new addition was Noussair Mazraoui, who at 26, was part of Erik ten Hag and Ineos's long-term vision. However, for this strategy to succeed, the team must improve on last season's eighth-place finish. The approach was more deliberate, aiming to develop players within the club to strengthen the squad for future years. Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Manuel Ugarte, all without Premier League experience, joined the youthful revolution at Old Trafford, bringing considerable potential but also a need for growth. Ten Hag does not view this as a risk, stating, "These are the choices we've made over the past two seasons, and I understand the perception many have due to Manchester United's rich history. But these are the choices we've made, also considering financial and other constraints." He emphasized the need for improvement and consistency, noting the team's progress over the last two years and the potential to win trophies with patience.
Time is a rare commodity in football, especially for United managers struggling in mid-table. The days of spending £62m on an aging Casemiro are over, and the club's £113.2m loss last year highlighted the waste within. Although Casemiro was pivotal in United's qualification for the Champions League, his decline was evident. Since Ten Hag's arrival, no player over 27 has been signed, signaling a change in direction. Dan Ashworth, the sporting director, Jason Wilcox, the technical director, and the Ineos regime guided the recruitment policy, but Ten Hag still secured players he knew from his Ajax days, like De Ligt and Mazraoui, and added Dutch compatriot Zirkzee. The 18-year-old Yoro is yet to play due to a preseason injury, and Ugarte awaits his Premier League debut as Ten Hag balances youth and experience. United's recent struggles in close games have highlighted a lack of know-how.
To nurture promising talent, guidance is essential. Bruno Fernandes, the captain, leads by example, but there's a possibility that 23-year-old Ugarte could replace 32-year-old Christian Eriksen in the starting lineup, forming Ten Hag's youngest Premier League XI with an average age of 24. Ten Hag acknowledges the scrutiny, saying, "They will be judged every game, which is normal. Everyone expects United to win. When you're in this club, you must handle this pressure, regardless of age." Changes could see former captain Harry Maguire replaced by De Ligt, Casemiro benched after the Liverpool debacle, and Eriksen's position scrutinized after a mistake against Twente. They might find themselves alongside Jonny Evans, the only other player over 30, on the bench.
The spotlight is on Ten Hag and his team, who have won twice, lost twice, and drawn once in their first five Premier League games, leaving them mid-table. Ten Hag advises, "First, respect the criticism. When you're in the job, you must deal with it. But I can't account for every criticism. I don't read all of it; it's not even possible. I don't want to know. I need to know some, and some are good advice." Alan Hansen's blunt advice to Alex Ferguson, "You can't win anything with kids," was proven wrong. Ten Hag cannot afford to let this gamble fail.
