Erik ten Hag provides worrying verdict on Man Utd’s transfer decisions
The Dutchman has spent almost £620m during his two years at Old Trafford
Erik ten Hag has admitted that financial constraints at Manchester United have forced him to rely on young talent as the club navigates budgetary limitations.
Since his arrival at Old Trafford, the Dutch manager has overseen a spending spree of almost £620 million.
However, United’s total expenditure has neared £2 billion since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, and Ten Hag insists that the club is now feeling the financial strain.
In an effort to rejuvenate an ageing and underperforming squad, United has turned to players with long-term potential, such as Rasmus Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, and Manuel Ugarte.
Additionally, youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo have been given opportunities to step up.
Erik ten Hag has acknowledged that the club’s need to comply with Profit and Sustainability regulations means they can no longer afford to make extravagant signings in the transfer market.
Ten Hag said: “Those are the choices we have made in the last two seasons.
“I understand the impression that many have for Manchester United because the history is so big.
“But those are the choices we have made – and also it has something to do with financials and other restrictions we have to deal with.
“We made the choice for younger players and you can’t expect them to be at the (top) level.
“We have to improve them and they have to improve themselves and we have to find a team that can be successful on a consistent basis.
“This team, in the last two years, has shown what they can do with patience.
“With patience we can win trophies and now we have to get more consistent.
“We are where we are now with this squad. With all the restrictions we had, we have done good work.
“Now we have to work with the squad and improve.
“We have a good squad, with young players.
“We have to improve the team and we have high targets – and we want to achieve those targets for this season and the years beyond.”
Erik Ten Hag added: “It (qualifying for the Champions League) is never spoken of now you ask me the question – but what I think is we have to succeed.
“We have to win trophies, that is what this club stands for.
“This club has the ambition to play on the highest platform and we want to achieve the Champions League.
“We have two routes, one is through the Premier League and one is through the Europa League.
“I think they (the players) will be judged every game – and that’s normal.
“Everyone, for every game, expects United to be winning. We know that. It isn’t a secret for anyone.
“When you are in this club you have to deal with this factor – and we do.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are young or old.
“We have to cope with this and get the best out of it and match the expectations that everyone has.
“But we know also that, with all respect, young players, a young squad, a new team takes some time.
“We are going in a good direction, I think, in the last couple of weeks in many aspects of football.
“Now it’s about being more efficient and scoring more goals because that will win you games.”
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