Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag intends to keep the Red Devils busy in next summer’s transfer window but the club’s ownership situation could pose problems for the Dutchman.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was faced with the harsh realities of the situation at Old Trafford as the takeover process drags on.
The Red Devils are expected to be busy in the upcoming transfer window as they seek to close the gap on city rivals Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. A number of targets were identified before the end of the current campaign.
Tottenham striker Harry Kane is prime among United’s targets as they aim to bolster their attack with big name attackers. Fellow Englishman and West Ham hero Declan Rice also has a long-term admirer at Old Trafford.
However, a deal for the two will not be easy given the current situation at the club. Any big-money signing needs to receive the green light from co-owner Joel Glazer – the American has internally expressed concern with the club’s finances according to The Athletic.
That could impact the club’s ability to seal big money deals. West Ham are expected to demand in excess of £100m for midfielder Rice – an unaffordable fee for the Red Devils at this stage.
Meanwhile, a deal for Kane also looks difficult to finalize with Daniel Levy expected to be firm in negotiations with any club, while he is also opposed to a sale to Premier League rivals this summer.
The only potential solution for the Red Devils appears to be a quick takeover at Old Trafford, but that seems unlikely at this stage. United have been publicly sold since November and fans still do not know who the club’s new owners are.
Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani made his fifth and final bid for the Red Devils earlier this week and will stop being involved in the process if not accepted. INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also waiting in the wings to see if a deal can be reached.
Any imminent takeover is sure to be a welcome relief for manager Ten Hag, who has stressed the need for investment into the playing squad. Speaking ahead of the FA Cup final, the Dutchman said: “We are in the right direction, but we are not where we should be, there is still a long way to go, there is potential in this team and individual players.
“We showed during the season we are making progress, that’s credit to the players and the coach, we are working very hard, but we have to make an investment.
“The club knows if you want to play top four, compete for trophies in this difficult league then you have to invest otherwise you don’t stand a chance because other clubs will do it.”
