Erik ten Hag sends transfer demand to INEOS, challenging Man United star

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has sent a transfer demand to INEOS ahead of the club’s pre-season tour.

The Reds have already signed two players for the first-team squad in Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, but more work is needed before the start of the season.

Ten Hag and his 29-man squad flew out to Los Angeles on Wednesday and face against Arsenal in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Speaking to the media ahead of that game, the manager explained that he believes the squad’s depth needs further improvement in a season that will be ‘survival of the fittest’.

“I want the squad to be as strong as possible,” said Ten Hag. “We already made two very good buys, so when everyone is fit, we have a team that can beat everyone.

“But with squad depth, we need to catch up because we had injuries. This season will be survival of the fittest.

“We are looking in all the positions to reinforce. We need a plan with the squad to make sure we’re occupied in every area.”

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is expected to return to action this weekend after a small injury concern ruled him out of the trip to Scotland to face Rangers last week.

The 26-year-old winger scored 30 goals during Ten Hag’s first season at the club but was unable to replicate that form last term, netting only eight times.

However, the Dutch manager is backing the Academy graduate to find that form once again next season.

He said: “I am confident, and 100 per cent believe he (Rashford) can do what he did two years ago. He is capable of it.”

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