Man Utd line-up with Malacia and De Jong as Erik ten Hag plan takes shape

Manchester United are pushing ahead with their transfer plans this summer after a slow start and two stars look like they are on the way.

Erik ten Hag has been keen to utilise his Dutch connections by eyeing two players in the shape of Tyrell Malacia and Frenkie de Jong. Negotiations have been underway and both could be signed imminently.

De Jong has been the top target after being pursued throughout the summer and earmarked as Ten Hag's main target. Barcelona had been unwilling to let go of one of their best players but their financial situation has forced them to the table.

The Red Devils are hoping to clinch a deal for the former Ajax star, who worked under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, in a move that could cost around £60million plus add-ons. That would represent a major coup considering that the Blaugrana valued him much higher.

De Jong had been expected to be the first signing of Ten Hag's reign but a surprise deal has been struck with Feyenoord for Malacia. The 22-year-old had agreed a move to Lyon but United have made a shock bid at the last moment.

An offer of around £15m has been accepted and it is now up to the left-back to decide what club he would rather join but there is confidence that the Dutchman will snub Lyon in favour of the Old Trafford outfit. The transfer has largely came out of nowhere but could be completed imminently.

That would make Malacia the first arrival under Ten Hag and could go straight into the starting line-up to replace Luke Shaw. The Englishman had a torrid campaign last year, though it would be hard to pinpoint the entire blame on the defender after a miserable season all round.

Nevertheless, the incoming United boss has to make big decisions and has already done so with his backline after telling Aaron Wan-Bissaka that he is no longer needed in favour of Diogo Dalot. That ruthless mindset is exactly needed if the Red Devils are to propel themselves back to glory.

De Jong and Malacia might not be the only arrivals, either, with Ajax pair Antony and Jurrien Timber also heavily linked. Nevertheless, pulling off a double deal for them might require a bit more effort in the transfer window.

But as it stands, the incoming duo currently being talked up will be a huge plus to United ahead of the new campaign and could make an immediate impact. Especially De Jong, who is one of the best midfielders in the world and will arrive at a club in sore need of a player of his skills.

Possible starting XI: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Malacia; Fred, De Jong, Fernandes; Rashford, Sancho, Ronaldo.