Manchester United's incoming boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly identified eight players who he will look to build his team around ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
While Ten Hag remains focused on leading Ajax towards another Eredivisie title this term, the Dutchman is believed to be keeping a close eye on the current situation at Old Trafford and has plans in place ahead of succeeding interim coach Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Ten Hag has already identified a core group of first-team players who he believes he can trust at United going forward, and the 52-year-old intends to make at least three marquee summer signings.
Club captain Harry Maguire, whose performances have come under fire throughout this campaign, has been studied by Ten Hag in recent weeks and the Dutchman intends to try and get the best out of the £85m defender when he arrives at Old Trafford.
Maguire has predominantly operated as a left-sided centre-back this season, but the report suggests that Ten Hag may look to recruit a left-footed defender and either shift the Englishman over to the right or use him in the middle of a back three.
Meanwhile, the long-term futures of Marcus Rashford and Aaron Wan-Bissaka remain uncertain, with senior figures at the club questioning whether they would benefit from selling the former this summer.
Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard are all set to leave United when their contracts expire in June, while the likes of Ajax duo Antony and Jurrien Timber as well as Benfica's Darwin Nunez and Villarreal's Pau Torres have all been linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
Oliver Thomas
