Man United dealt difficult start to season as concerns grow over slow transfer business

United have yet to make a signing

Erik ten Hag has been handed a difficult start in his first season as Manchester United manager, where he will face all of the 'big six' as well as the likes of Everton and Leicester City in his opening 13 games. The fixtures for the 2022/23 campaign were released on Thursday as clubs prepare for a long and gruelling season, which will include a six-week break while the World Cup takes place in Qatar. https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1537344224365924353 Ten Hag has been busy preparing and planning to revamp his United side as they look to try and climb their way back to the top of English football. Among his endless list of things to sort is transfers with the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Jurrien Timber linked with moves to Old Trafford, but none seem close to being finalised. With just over a month to go until their first game of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion, fans and journalists are becoming concerned with the lack of activity from the Red Devils.

Experts call for Man United to back Ten Hag

Given the excitement around Ten Hag and the idea that he could be the one to stop the recent United rot, people want to see him backed. Former United defender and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville admitted that while there is still plenty of time in the window to get signings done, the club need to back the Dutchman. He said: "I know early in the window but it’s worrying that United are struggling to get business done. The others seem set and ready yet United can’t get moving. ETH needs his group together asap to mould them. Bringing them in late will only make it harder for him! It happens soon!" https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/1537327040101289984 The Athletic's Adam Crafton also reiterated the same point, highlighting the difficult run of fixtures that Ten Hag will have to contend with to start the season. He said: "All of the big 6, plus Leicester and Everton away in first 13 games for Ten Hag. Need to give him a chance by getting the new players in by pre season." https://twitter.com/AdamCrafton_/status/1537352046306807809 Ten Hag is set to call his players back for an early pre-season as they bid to get on board with his playing methods and make a challenge for the top four once again. Related links:

• Liverpool to face four of the ‘big six’ after Champions League fixtures
• Premier League Fixtures 2022/23: Opening Day, Boxing Day, Final Day and key fixtures to look out for
• Frenkie de Jong delivers blow to Man United transfer hopes