Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag issues Harry Kane transfer fears

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reviews the Aston Villa game

Erik ten Hag admits he does not know how much money he has to spend in the summer amid ongoing uncertainty over future ownership of the club. The Manchester United manager is acutely aware of the need to act fast and decisively in the transfer market over multiple targets including England captain Harry Kane.

But with owners the Glazers still mulling over options with regard to a full or partial sell off, Ten Hag has his hands effectively tied on bids for top stars.

Asked whether he has been given assurances about how much money will be available for transfers, Ten Hag said: “No. I don’t have influence on that. Also I don’t know.

“The only thing I know is that Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world and one of the biggest two or three from a fanbase perspective.

“The club has to compete on the highest (level) in the world – Champions League and Premier League – and in football you need funds to construct squads because in the end the level from your players decides if you are successful or not.”

When the Glazers first indicated back in November they were looking for “outside investment opportunities” there were hopes that the process or a full sale might be completed by the end of April.

But with the current owners dragging their feet despite having receiving two offers valuing the club at over £5billion, it now seems likely to be delayed.

Ten Hag will be given funds whichever ownership model they move forward under.

But the figures being talked about could be significantly different under a part Sir Jim Ratcliffe-part Glazer model or if Qatari-based bidders succeed in getting full control of the club.

Ten Hag insists he has no control over how quickly the fugure is resolved or the levels of investment in his squad but instead can focus on what he can influence.

Don’t miss…
Liverpool told their decision on ‘dressing room leader’ is why[LATEST]
Liverpool boss Klopp receives reply as PGMOL listen to Tierney’s audio[LATEST]
Souness fights back tears as he steps down as Sky Sports pundit[LATEST]

“It is quite clear what I want but it’s not up to me. It’s about others in this club, the family are the owners, they make the decisions,

“I do everything I can and I influenced the processes I’m in charge of. Where I can take my influence I will. I am focussing on improving the squad and the team development.”

Ten Hag believes his current squad is capable of competing in the Champions League as it stands if United manage to hang on to a top four spot.

They face Brighton tonight with a seven point advantage over fifth placed Liverpool with a further five games remaining in their season.

“Yes I think we can compete but we see this as a project and the project also requires that in your windows you strengthen your squad or make investments so you get more balance,

“I think we have already shown the improvement that we can beat the best teams in the world and I think we can compete in the Champions League but there is some way to go.”

Source: Read Full Article