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Manchester United have a major summer window coming up as there could be a managerial change along with a change in personnel. There's a chance that interim manager Ralf Rangnick might be given a longer duration in charge. However, realistic expectations should be towards a new manager who can steady the ship.
Erik Ten Hag is a potential candidate to become the next Manchester United manager. Many bigger names in Europe have applauded the current Ajax manager and have admired his performance.
Getting ten Hag may not be easy as there could be other major clubs interested in his services. However, the Dutchman will enjoy the vast riches of Manchester United if he is finally appointed as the manager at Old Trafford.
Here are five names who could all be pursued and bought by ten Hag at the start of his regime at Manchester United.
#5 Antonio Rudiger
Chelsea is presently stuck in the mud with severe sanctions implemented on its owner. One of the restrictions reportedly prevents Chelsea from renewing any contracts.
Antonio Rudiger's contract is fast expiring since the start of the season. While talks were ongoing between the player and Chelsea, the sanctions came at the worst possible time.
One club's loss might be another's gain, and it won't be surprising if Manchester United make a move for the German centre-back. Rudiger has rediscovered himself in recent times under Thomas Tuchel.
Of course, there are other suitors for his services, but Manchester United could be a great option should the German decide to extend his stay in the Premier League.
Rudiger's contract situation hasn't affected his performances, and he has been a trusted personnel of Tuchel. He has appeared in all the major competitions and has notched up 39 appearances. Aside from the brilliant defensive displays, Rudiger has chipped in with 7 goal contributions across all competitions.
#4 Christopher Nkunku
Manchester United have a rich legacy with French footballers, and that could increase if Christopher Nkunku makes his way to Old Trafford. While Rangnick may not remain the manager, he will still likely be in charge of important decisions. He is also a massive admirer of Nkunku, who has had a dream season so far.
The ability to shine in a grossly underperforming side isn't an easy task. However, Nkunku has been one of the best players in the Bundesliga this season. Anything he has touched has turned into gold at a personal level. Nkunku has been lethal and creative simultaneously, and he has created and finished chances all by himself.
Nkunku has been sensational, especially in the Champions League, despite an early exit for RB Leipzig. He has been involved in a stunning 38 goals so far. 25 of those have been in the form of his own goals, and he is currently averaging more than one goal involvement per game this season.
#3 Declan Rice
Manchester United pursued Jadon Sancho for a long time before finally landing him last summer. The Old Trafford hierarchy has been an admirer of Declan Rice in a similar fashion. Given that United have looked barebones in that position this season, Erik ten Hag may push for the Englishman.
Rice has been a brilliant performer in the Premier League and has been a major reason for change in West Ham United's fortunes. He has been defensively solid as always and has sharpened his attacking abilities more this season. He also hasn't been shy of being adventurous.
Getting RIce will be the perfect signing for Manchester United purely because of his position. Despite not being good enough, McTominay and Fred have often been relied upon due to lack of options. He could also contribute to the attack, as he has shown with his 8 goal involvements this season.
#2 Erling Haaland
Manchester United have surprisingly found themselves short of ideas in front of goal. While Cristiano Ronaldo has hit double figures, he has been far from clinical. He has also barely received any support, which has resulted in the side's underperformance.
It's hard to imagine that Erik ten Hag won't push the board when a name like Erling Haaland becomes available. Plenty of reports suggest that Mino Raiola will move his client to a bigger name. Getting a name like Haaland will be the perfect signature statement that Man United can make.
It's not just for the name and bragging rights that United should look to sign Erling Haaland. Since bursting onto the scene with Molde, he has been remarkable and has gone from strength to strength. He has been an absolute goal-machine wherever he has played and has already scored 23 goals, despite missing a major part with injuries.
#1 Harry Kane
While Haaland might be the top target, Manchester United could potentially be priced out of the deal. The Old Trafford-based outfit have recently taken some austerity measures regarding transfer spending. There are also some tensions between the club and Haaland's agent. As a result, Harry Kane may arise as the perfect alternative at a lesser cost.
Kane has been a shadow of himself in the current season, but that could be due to the off-field issues. Kane was rumored to be switching to Manchester City last summer but that didn't transpire. However, it became clear that Kane wanted a fresh start, which may have affected his performances this season.
Despite a vastly inferior season, Kane has shown that he can still do it at the highest level. Against Manchester City, he was once again the world-class player he is.
A new move to Manchester United could benefit both parties. A rejuvenated Harry Kane could be the final jigsaw of the puzzle which has prevented the league title from coming to Old Trafford for nearly a decade now.
