Chelsea could reportedly be ready to seriously disrupt Erik ten Hag's plans at Manchester United - TCC View
Just when Chelsea looked like the Premier League club in disarray, Manchester United snatched the microphone and stood centre stage.
Arguably the footballing news story that has come closest to overshadowing Roman Abramovich’s sale-sanction saga revolves around Old Trafford’s new manager.
Untying United
United announced yesterday that Erik ten Haag will take over the team next season, despite still being in charge of Ajax.
Whilst it was always pretty clear Ralf Rangnick was only a part-time solution, it cannot be easy to focus on the task at hand knowing your current job is about to expire.
The Red Devils will need Rangnick’s full concentration for the remainder of the campaign, as they desperately attempt to secure European qualification.
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Tan Haag might regret ever leaving his Dutch post if the fallen Premier League giant cannot even secure a Europa Conference League ticket.
His plans will surely be around challenging the very best on the continent, whilst simultaneously taking them back to the summit of England’s first division.
To achieve this, many believe a total makeover of United’s squad is needed.
Out with the old and in with the new.
Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba look certain to leave, whilst the futures of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and others are still uncertain.
Remove these names from the roster and United will require a fresh batch of stars to take their places.
Who do the Red Devils want to buy?
According to The Telegraph, the chain of command have already compiled a list of targets they would like to explore.
Amongst the names are two players that should be extremely familiar to Chelsea fans.
One in particular sticks out like a sore thumb.
United have long been admirers of Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
Unfortunately for them, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy are also reportedly intent on signing the France international.
N’Golo Kante and Jorginho both possess contracts that expire next June, with questions hanging over their longevity at the top level.
Tchouameni is seen in certain circles as the heir to Kante, making him a primary candidate for a move to South West London.
Clever boy
Further up field, United will also require a certified number nine to ease the burden on Ronaldo.
They seemingly like the look of Benfica’s goal-machine Darwin Nunez.
The 22-year-old has scored 33 times this term, including six in the Champions League.
Numbers that have reportedly made Chelsea sit up with interest as well.
Romelu Lukaku’s struggles might cause the Blues to go after a younger, more in form striker this summer.
Darwin certainly ticks those boxes.
Foiling United’s plans would be another big bonus.
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