Erik ten Hag demands Man United sign a defender, midfielder and striker this summer to get back in the top four – despite facing the sack after FA Cup final

Erik ten Hag has asked Manchester United to sign a defender, midfielder and forward this summer.

As reported by Mail Sport on Friday, the Dutchman is expected to be sacked after Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City, regardless of the outcome.

However, Ten Hag is adamant he will remain part of the plans of Man United’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team since the petrochemical billionaire took control of the football operations in February.

He has urged the club to spend this summer transfer window strengthening themselves in several positions if they want to secure a place in the top four next season.

‘We have to attract an extra striker in the summer. And if we can sign another central midfielder and a replacement for Varane, things will look good again. If the team stays fit, we can try to go for the top 4 again,” Ten Hag said in conversation with the club VI.

United have been hampered by defensive injuries this season, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane spending much of the season on the sidelines.

It has been confirmed that the latter will leave as a free agent next month after three years at the club.

United’s midfield has also suffered from problems this season, with £55m-worth Mason Mount making just 19 appearances in all competitions due to injuries.

Meanwhile, Casemiro has failed to match the level he showed in his debut season at Old Trafford and could move to Saudi Arabia.

Benfica’s highly rated midfield talent Joao Neves is said to be a target for United as a replacement for the Brazilian.

Ten Hag’s side also struggled to score goals, with Rasmus Hojlund the only senior striker at the club.

The Denmark international has been inconsistent but has scored 16 goals in all competitions.