Erik ten Hag’s spending message is already looking poignant as Manchester United’s rivals show big ambition.
Manchester United secured a top four finish last season after a long campaign of hard work from Erik ten Hag and the players. But that is no guarantee the Red Devils will be there next year.
On the final day of the season, Ten Hag warned, via The Telegraph: “The club knows if you want to play top four, compete for trophies in this tough league then you have to invest, otherwise you don’t have a chance because other clubs will do.
“We’ve seen it in the winter. All the clubs around us made huge investments, we didn’t, but still we made it, so I’m proud of my team.”
Ten Hag spending worries
Already at this early stage of the transfer window, Erik ten Hag‘s words are looking poignant. Manchester United’s rivals are showing serious ambition.
Arsenal are on the verge of sealing a £100 million move for Declan Rice, The Guardian report. They might even follow that up with a move for Moises Caicedo.
Last night The Telegraph report Newcastle are set to make a £50 million move for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.
Liverpool have already made one move, signing Alexis Mac Allister for £35 million. More will follow. The transfer window has only been officially open for a day.
All three players would be useful options for United, but the Red Devils are looking in different directions. And that’s fine – so long as Manchester United get their moves right.
Erik ten Hag will be plotting, looking for ways to get the most out of his budget, how he can reshape the squad, who needs to be sold, and where he can upgrade.
It’s already looking like the 2023/24 campaign will be more competitive as ever, with team looking to make big moves to try and bridge the gap to City.
But it is a big task at all, simply to stand still. United’s third place this season was commendable – but we want to see upwards progress.
United cannot go into next season without improving. It’s clear already, that if improvements are not made, the club risk getting left behind.
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