Transfer Talk: Squad Erik will inherit is far from a perfect Ten

Change is in the air at Manchester United with Erik ten Hag confirmed to be taking over this summer.

The Dutchman will be under no illusions as to the job he's facing after Tuesday night's 4-0 humiliation by arch-rivals Liverpool. 

Interim boss Ralf Rangnick's enraged post-match interview was dominated by talk of the enormous revamp the Red Devils must undertake in order to return to English football's summit. 

But what exactly do they need to address — and how many of their problem positions can they strengthen this summer? 

We assess the situation before United attempt to keep their fast-fading top-four hopes alive against Arsenal on Saturday.

All change

Speaking after that humbling at Anfield, Rangnick hinted at the scale of the rebuild to come. 

He said: "If you analyse the situation, it is not difficult to analyse. For me, it is clear there will be six, seven, eight, maybe 10 new players." 

It looks set to be the busiest summer at Old Trafford in recent memory — and it absolutely needs to be.

Back pain

With David de Gea back to his best, the goalkeeping position might be the least of United's problems — but the next line of defence is in need of serious repair. 

The Red Devils have now conceded 48 times, nine of which were scored by Liverpool, in 33 league games this season.

That has put them on course to finish the campaign with a defensive record of 55 goals against, which would be their worst since 1978-79. 

Questions continue to be asked of Harry Maguire's ability, although the area arguably most in need of upgrading is right-back where Aaron Wan-Bissaka has flattered to deceive since his big-money move from Crystal Palace three years ago.

Stuck in the middle

United should have strengthened at defensive midfield last summer, so they simply have to this time around. 

While the much-maligned Fred has enjoyed a renaissance under Rangnick and criticism of Scott McTominay has been excessive, the Red Devils could do better. 

And with Nemanja Matic leaving when his contract expires, they are going to be left short of numbers in that department anyway. 

The question is whether they can secure an upgrade in this position during the upcoming window. 

Even if Declan Rice is a top target, as he reportedly has been for some time, there is every chance that he could find himself playing Champions League football next term by staying at West Ham.

Thin up top

Having brought Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club and splashed the cash to sign Jadon Sancho last summer, United may still need to make multiple attacking additions once again.

It is certainly hard to see anyone other than Ronaldo leading the line for the Red Devils in 2022-23. 

But with Edinson Cavani set to depart, there will be a need for a new centre forward with the longer-term in mind. 

As for the wide positions, Ajax sensation Antony is already being linked with a switch to Old Trafford — not that Marcus Rashford should be considered a lost cause despite looking like a shadow of his prodigious former self.

An impossible task?

In his post-match interview on Tuesday, Rangnick seemed to suggest that it would take several transfer windows for United to complete their rebuilding job. 

Even that might be an optimistic timescale, though. After all, this is a club which has been badly mismanaged for the best part of a decade. 

The glories of the Sir Alex Ferguson era will not be restored overnight. The foundations have not even been laid yet — but they must be in the months ahead if Ten Hag is to have any chance of success.