It’s hard to imagine a Manchester United lineup without Cristiano Ronaldo, so this article looks at Erik ten Hag’s dream team in the absence of the Portuguese star. In this article we’ll take a look at David de Jong, Marcus Rashford and Andreas Pereira, as well as discuss the interest in Lisandro Martinez. Listed below are some of the players who would be in Ten Hag’s dream team, should they be signed by United.
Erik ten Hag’s dream Manchester United lineup without Cristiano Ronaldo
The Manchester United manager says that he is counting on Cristiano Ronaldo to lead them this season, but the forward has not reported back to training since his move to Sevilla. With less than a month remaining in the summer transfer window, the manager must find a new focal point for his attack. He has tried to delay the replacement until next summer, but failed to sign the Uruguayan. His first choice was Darwin Nunez, but the player preferred a move to Liverpool.
If you were to look at Erik ten Hag’s dream Manchester United line-up without Cristiano Ronaldo, you would see that he’d bring in a couple of youngsters to replace the Brazilian. There are many youngsters on the Manchester United bench, including Charlie Savage and Ethan Laird. Even teenagers like James Garner and Amad can make the team. But to join this United team, you need to have a certain level of ability, and the goalkeeper is the key to success.
If the Portuguese striker leaves the club, De Jong will become the focal point of the attacking line. In addition to De Jong, United have been showcasing their attacking quartet this summer. This combination play could give United some light in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the Dutchman’s departure would prompt Ten Hag to add a more attack-minded player, and the Ajax player Antony is on his wishlist.
David’s versatility vs Marcus Rashford
The first Manchester United game under new caretaker manager Erik ten Hag has shown positive signs. A bright, quick front three – Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford – looked a strong proposition. Marcus Rashford, who has spent the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla, showed his versatility by impressing with his quick running and attacking play.
In the summer transfer window, United are expected to favour a front three without Cristiano Ronaldo. While Ronaldo will lead the line, the versatile David can also provide support to the striker. Although Rashford has mostly played out wide, he could prove himself as a number two striker in a crowded attack.
As a result, ten Hag favours a forward with more versatility and a higher chance of scoring goals. Although Rashford and Sancho are both young and versatile, the former could end up playing on the bench. A move for Anthony Martial, the talisman, would be beneficial for both sides. However, this would be detrimental for Rashford’s career. If he leaves Manchester in the summer, it would be a huge shame to lose him.
Christian Eriksen’s versatility vs Andreas Pereira
In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, ten Hag will likely make way for one of Denmark’s finest players. He has excelled as an advanced playmaker for Tottenham, Brentford and Ajax. However, his versatility in midfield has led to the Danish international’s cardiac arrest during Euro 2020. He was fitted with an ICD. The new manager will be eager to get the best from the youngster in a more important role at Old Trafford.
Despite the recent reports linking United with the Ajax midfielder, the former Newcastle manager has not been able to sign the player. The Dutch club have been unable to sell the player for a huge fee. However, the Dutch club are keen to cash in on the player despite his lack of availability and current contract. However, despite this, Erik ten Hag is expected to miss out on a deal for Brian Brobbey, the talented 20-year-old defender who is currently rated highly by a number of other European clubs.
The Norwegian international is being offered a PS150,000-a-week deal, but it is understood that he has not signed the deal as of yet. Eriksen has reportedly opted to wait for the summer transfer market to see what else ten Hag brings to Old Trafford. He is now deciding between joining Manchester United or Brentford. But Manchester United have made contact with the player’s representatives and he could be on the way to Old Trafford.
Lisandro Martinez’s interest
It’s not hard to see why Erik ten Hag’s dream Manchester United team does not include the Portuguese superstar. The Portuguese has asked to leave the club, claiming he is not happy in the current climate. Despite the speculation that he wants to leave, United are in need of a new striker. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have both impressed in pre-season friendly matches. Ten Hag is keen to include one of these players as his main striker.
While Liverpool failed to find the net in the first half, they were able to score twice in the second half. A late penalty for Liverpool saw the hosts’ best chance of claiming a point. But Erik ten Hag’s team were not happy and they were forced to resort to last-ditch defending. This approach is not sustainable in the long term. But the XI that United have assembled is closer to what the manager would have put on the field had Ronaldo been available. With Bailly, McFred, and Lindelof, the midfield is even more complete and capable of scoring more goals than Ronaldo.
In terms of attacking talent, Ten Hag wants to include the likes of Diogo Dalot, Jadon Sancho, and Marcos Rojo. They have been impressive with their combination play this summer and could well be the next big attacking additions to the side. But if Cristiano Ronaldo is not available, this could force Ten Hag to look elsewhere to boost his team. One of the Ajax players is on his wishlist.
Tyrell Malacia’s future at Manchester United
As Manchester United look to bolster their defensive options, one Dutch international has emerged as a transfer target. The 24-year-old has signed for PS13 million from Feyenoord and comes with bags of potential. The striker was spotted in a 4-0 pre-season win over Liverpool and is now a member of the Red Devils. Read on for the latest on Tyrell Malacia’s future at Manchester United.
The Dutch international has completed a four-year deal at Manchester United and is the first signing of the Erik ten Hag era. The former Feyenoord defender has already completed a medical and has signed a contract that runs until June 2026. There is also an option for a further year. Malacia will join his new teammates ahead of the start of the season in Asia and Australia.
Malacia was a major disappointment in the Netherlands last season. His attacking return was poor at Feyenoord with only four goals and eight assists. His complacency will be a major challenge for Ten Hag, but if the Dutchman can settle and learn the system, he could be an excellent fantasy starter. Despite his lack of experience at Feyenoord, it’s still possible for Malacia to shine as a regular starter in Manchester United’s first team.
Louis Saha’s future at Manchester United
The future of Louis Saha at Manchester United is up in the air. The talented winger is now the ambassador of the club after losing his place in the first team to Paul Pogba. The Frenchman has struggled to live up to expectations since joining the Red Devils. His season at Manchester United this season has been his worst so far. However, despite his performance, there is still hope for Saha at United.
The former Leicester City man was a prolific striker with a record of 32 goals in 48 games in all competitions. However, he has not had the same kind of season for Manchester United since 2002. He only managed eight goals for the Red Devils in 2006/07 and seven in 2005/06. His move to Everton lasted four seasons and he scored 13 goals in 2009/10 – the highest amount for the Toffees in a single season.
Saha is yet to find a permanent place at Manchester United, and has been linked with a return to Everton. The former Fulham striker believes that Martial is capable of fulfilling Saha’s ambitions. However, he is facing stiff competition from his fellow forward, Marcus Rashford. With his potential to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo, he will have plenty of pressure on his shoulders.
Antonio Valencia’s versatility vs Marcus Rashford
There are plenty of reasons to use Antonio Valencia, who has a range of positions and can be deployed centrally on occasion, instead of the injured Marcus Rashford. But if we’re going to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, we need to address the lack of goals in United’s squad. This is where Rashford’s versatility comes in. Rather than relying on his ability to get past defenders, he can link up with Edinson Cavani and start centrally. Likewise, Marcus Rashford can play in an attacking midfield role, which is ideal for him, or he can run into channels to create space for others.
Despite his age, Valencia has stepped up his game this season, taking on captaincy duties against Ajax and proving his worth as a regular in Mourinho’s teams. As an important part of the defence, he is now one of United’s first choices, and Erik ten Hags’ dream Manchester United lineup without Cristiano Ronaldo includes Valencia.
