Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Jose Mourinho
Erik ten Hag believes only one Manchester United manager was properly backed in the last decade.
The Dutchman has spent around £400 million since being appointed United manager in 2022, with the likes of Antony, Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana all coming in for big money.
He's recently spoke about failed pursuits for both Harry Kane and Frenkie de Jong - the latter being the player he feels was needed to translate the Ajax philosophy.
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Mourinho brought in Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku among others during his tenure at Old Trafford but regularly stated that he did not have sufficient support financially from above.
The Portuguese recently stated that he didn't get the same level of backing as what Ten Hag has currently but the United boss refutes those claims.
“Apart from Mourinho, the manager didn’t get the players they wanted, and that is what you need,” Ten Hag said, as per ESPN.
“I am confident we will achieve our goals, but it is a tough competition. It is not a two-horse race anymore.
“There are seven, eight [teams in the Premier League] who all go for the title, who all have very good squads.
“So, if you want to go to the title, you have to construct that squad.”
United are currently eighth in the Premier League going into their Monday night clash with Crystal Palace.
Ten Hag's future is still uncertain as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS weigh up plans.
He has a year on his contract but in his press conference on Thursday, stressed the need to be patient and trust the process for results.
"You need outstanding players," Ten Hag explained.
"Otherwise, you are in a process and you have to be patient. That is where we are now. We went for players who have high potentials, and we have to develop them, as individuals and as a team. But you need patience with the process."
