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Three struggling Manchester United players that could reignite their Old Trafford careers under Erik ten Hag

Sports Mole picks out three players could reignite their Manchester United careers under the management of Erik ten Hag.

There will be new signings at Manchester United during this summer's transfer window despite their lack of activity thus far.

New head coach Erik ten Hag will also believe that he can improve the fortunes of a number of struggling players, though, and there is not an unlimited budget in the current market, so many of the team's current crop will have to step up next term.

There is no question that the squad desperately underperformed last term, and Ten Hag's coaching capabilities will certainly be put to the test during his time at Old Trafford.

With that in mind, Sports Mole picks out three players could reignite their Man United careers under the management of the team's new head coach.


Marcus Rashford

Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford pictured on February 04, 2022© Reuters

Marcus Rashford found it incredibly difficult to make his mark for Man United during the 2021-22 campaign, managing just five goals and two assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.

The 24-year-old's overall displays were also widely criticised, and his future at Old Trafford was called into question in the second half of last season.

Rashford is believed to be in the plans of Ten Hag moving forward, though, and the club's new head coach will surely relish the chance to improve the fortunes of the talented forward.

Time is very much still on Rashford's side, and he scored in excess of 20 goals during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns, so there is certainly a player there.

The Red Devils academy product is said to be determined to put what was a tough 2021-22 season behind him, and he would be like a new signing for the club if Ten Hag could find a way to unlock him.


Donny van de Beek

 Manchester United's Donny van de Beek applauds fans after the match, December 8, 2021© Reuters

Ten Hag is very familiar with Donny van de Beek, with the midfielder starring for his Ajax side before Man United brought him to the Premier League in September 2020.

It has not worked for the Netherlands international at Old Trafford, having managed just two goals and two assists in 50 appearances for the Red Devils, and he finished last season on loan at Everton.

Van de Beek could not convince either Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Ralf Rangnick that he deserved a regular run in the side, but Ten Hag will know how to get the best out of the midfielder.

Whether the Dutchman can carve out a successful career at Old Trafford remains to be seen, but he will surely be excited about returning to his parent club for the 2022-23 campaign.

"We had fantastic squad in that time at Ajax. I really had a good relationship with him. Of course I am looking forward to meeting him again on the pitch," Ten Hag told reporters when asked about Van de Beek.

Frenkie de Jong could move to Man United this summer in a big-money deal from Barcelona, and a revitalised Van de Beek might be given the chance to feature alongside his fellow Dutchman in midfield next term.


Harry Maguire

Manchester United's Harry Maguire pictured on February 8, 2022© Reuters

Harry Maguire's position as Man United captain is far from secure, with Ten Hag believed to be open to replacing the England international as skipper for the 2022-23 campaign.

The 29-year-old was a shadow of himself last term, struggling throughout the season with a series of disappointing performances.

Maguire has not become a bad player overnight, though, and his early displays for Man United, coupled with his form for Leicester City and England, demonstrated that he can be a brilliant centre-back at the top level.

The defender is not the only player to have struggled during a difficult period for the Red Devils, but he is another that could benefit from a fresh approach next term.

"Next season is a different season. He did a great job, he is a great player, achieved a lot with a contribution to Manchester United. I'm looking forward to working with him," Ten Hag said when questioned on the club's current skipper last month.

A new centre-back might arrive this summer to put serious pressure on him, and it will be up to the former Sheffield United youngster to respond in the right way.

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