Manchester United's 3 Biggest Position Battles Under Erik Ten Hag Next Season

Erik ten Hag will slowly be figuring out his strongest Manchester United line-up ahead of next season, but there will be firm competition in a number of positions.

Whilst some positions in the United side pick themselves, like right-back (Diogo Dalot), attacking midfield (Bruno Fernandes) and right-wing (Jadon Sancho) — others will likely change throughout the season with stiff competition there.

These situations are known as manager headaches, but Ten Hag has stressed that his squad must be deep for the next season, as he looks to improve United's Premier League next season.

"I'm not talking about starting eleven," he said when probed about his plans for the start of the season. "We have to construct a squad, from there on we can pick the starting eleven for games and that will swap from game-to-game,

"That will depend on the strengths of the opponent, the weaknesses of the opponent, the form of our players etcetera"

It's looking like the Dutchman is looking forward to the competition for places that is needed at every successful club, and here's three of the biggest battles that will occur for the Reds next term:

RCB: Raphael Varane or Harry Maguire

With Lisandro Martinez coming into the team, Ten Hag has suggested that he will come straight into the starting team, making the left centre-back spot their own.

This means that the two defenders who were touted to make a partnership last season could be fighting against each other to play alongside Martinez.

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Raphael Varane's injury troubles are one concern, whilst Harry Maguire's recovery speed is another. Both could find themselves playing different types of fixtures unless one really finds their form when given the chance.

United's new Argentinian is known as the aggressor in the backline, which suggests Varane's playstyle would suit playing next to him more so, but Maguire's on-ball ability would allow great progression along United's entire backline.

LB: Luke Shaw or Tyrell Malacia

Luke Shaw has already shown in the past that he thrives under strong competition. This makes the signing of Tyrell Malacia even more interesting.

Alex Telles' involvement last term showed that the depth in the position was not good enough, and now there is a safety net should the Englishman get injured.

Malacia has shown across pre-season that he's got impressive talent and could potentially give Shaw a run for his money during the season, especially since the 27-year-old has had his injury problems across his career.

Shaw is certainly a much better option than many fans give him credit for, and he could be key for the new manager if he's able to stay fit.

However, there will be healthy competition from the Dutch full-back, which will only be good for the club.

RCM: Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek or Scott McTominay

This could be the most interesting spot in the team next season — new signing Christian Eriksen could be utilised in the position as a creative option alongside Fernandes in a slightly deeper zone.

However, two other choice are the more defensive and powerful player in Scott McTominay, or the wildcard Donny van de Beek, who could find his feet under his former Ajax manager.

This competition is based on the assumption that Frenkie de Jong does not sign, however. If he does, it's likely Fred would move across to right centre-midfield to work alongside the Dutchman.

The Denmark international was originally thought to be a depth option behind United's no.8, but as time has passed it seems that he's destined for a more regular role in the team.

This gives United an offensive pivot option, but Eriksen shown his quality in these deeper positions anyway last term with Brentford.

Manchester United

Meanwhile, McTominay is the option that many fans dread, but without De Jong, it could be someone we see often next season.

He's not as bad as some think, but he also has areas which he desperately needs to improve in. Being the more advanced in the pivot would suit him more, with his willing runs helping the dynamic on the right side.

Donny's involvement on the right side of the pivot seems like an option now with the dynamic on the right with space for attacking runs in behind to help Jadon Sancho and Diogo Dalot on the right.

It could suit him, and playing under Ten Hag will help, but he's still a wildcard option, with Eriksen's addition making involvement trickier for the midfielder.

All three options offer something slightly different and will keep each other on their toes throughout the campaign.