Just as one problem is solved, another emerges. The United boss went into the summer clearly identifying the need to improve his goalkeeper, central midfield and main striker. Before the season had kicked off he&aposd addressed all three with significant signings.
Then left back became a problem with Luke Shaw joining Tyrell Malacia on the sidelines. Suddenly United then became exposed at centre back with Raphael Varane injured and Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof forced off against Arsenal.
Sergio Reguilon arrived as a sticking plaster on the left but now right wing is an issue. Ten Hag and Jadon Sancho have had a very public falling out and it remains to be seen what the future holds for the England international, while Antony is out of the equation as well for personal reasons.
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Also read: There&aposs a lot to like about Pellistri and now it&aposs time for a proper look at him
With Brighton and Bayern Munich on the horizon, Ten Hag must now find a solution to his frontline. Last season&aposs evidence might point to Bruno Fernandes shifting across from his central role.
It&aposs not ideal, given the influence the Portugal international has on the side, but Ten Hag deployed him there in crucial games last term – including the FA Cup final – as a means of shoring things up. It leaves a void in the middle but United have a depth of options in the centre of the park just now and Mason Mount could comfortably play further forward.
Yet the England international could perhaps be the preferred option out wide given he has played there before for club and country. The former Chelsea man is on the way back from injury and if fit could prove a valuable option, particularly away in Munich, with his work-rate and game intelligence offering United a helping hand without the ball.
In terms of natural options for a right hand side berth, Facundo Pellistri is the leading candidate. He hasn&apost featured much under Ten Hag and is yet to start a league game but he seems the people&aposs choice.
A full international for Uruguay with a World Cup under his belt and a smattering of positive United cameos behind him means he has staked a claim. Whether his manager trusts him for the challenges Brighton and Bayern pose is probably the only stumbling block for the 21-year-old. But future fixtures against Burnley and Crystal Palace in the Premier League surely merit handing Pellistri a start. If not then, then when?
Amad Diallo might have a long term say in the right hand side debate but the Ivory Coast international is currently injured. A sparkling season with Sunderland in the Championship last term raised his profile and rightly moved him into the United first team conversation. He will hope to force his way into the thinking when fully fit.
Alejandro Garnacho offers an inverted option should Ten Hag seek to switch the Argentine over from his preferred side. But the vast majority of his United minutes have come from the left and it seems unlikely he&aposll be moved across ahead of the alternative options.
