Erik ten Hag’s strongest Man United XI if Benjamin Sesko and Frenkie de Jong deals are completed

Erik ten Hag wants to add more players to his dream starting lineup this summer.

While the new manager has made a good start at United, it is evident that more reinforcements in crucial positions are needed if he is to make the club competitive again in his first season. Ten Hag is primarily interested in improving the midfield, where he would want to see a talented and composed holding midfielder, as well as more attacking signings.

United’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong continues, and despite having a deal in place for weeks, they appear no closer to acquiring the Dutchman. Indeed, Premier League rivals Chelsea have expressed an interest, and their capacity to provide Champions League football could be a deciding factor.

Ten Hag is working with a significant dearth of attacking alternatives following the free agent departures of Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, and Juan Mata, while Cristiano Ronaldo would still like to leave if a proper escape path can be found. However, if the Portuguese remain, there will only be four senior attacking alternatives in addition to Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Martial.

Anthony Elanga, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad, and Facundo Pellistri are all in the first team but are unproven, with the club admitting that renovations are required to match Ten Hag’s criteria. However, due to Ajax’s €80 million valuation, early target Antony is unlikely to join.

Two weeks ago, John Murtough met with the agent of Red Bull Salzburg attacker Benjamin Sesko, who is highly ranked. Last season, the Slovenian scored 11 goals and provided seven assists, and he scored the game-winning goal in a friendly against Liverpool last week. If United can capture De Jong and Sesko, their roster will begin to look lot healthier.

Ten Hag’s strongest team is taking shape, and the backline will almost certainly include David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, and captain Harry Maguire. As Alex Telles goes on loan, Luke Shaw is battling with Tyrell Malacia for the left-back position. There will also be a tussle for the left-sided center-back position between new recruit Lisandro Martinez and multiple-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane, but the latter’s injury record may tip the scales in favor of the newcomer. On the first day, Victor Lindelof may start ahead of both.

Ten Hag clearly wants De Jong to operate at the base of midfield to control the tempo of matches from deep. Fred appears to have earned his place in the starting lineup with his all-action approach, while Bruno Fernandes would round out the midfield.

Even if Sesko is signed, he is likely too young to be a regular starter and would be better suited as a backup. Even if Ronaldo stays, Ten Hag appears to want a more agile and dynamic assault with Martial in the center and Sancho and Rashford on each flank.