Huge blow for Ten Hag as Man Utd 'must sell to buy' in the summer, even if the club is sold to new owners

Manchester United will have to “sell-to-buy” in the summer, even if the Glazers sell the club to new owners, according to a fresh report.

The Old Trafford club's January transfer plans have seemingly been affected by their summer £220 million haul and the Glazer's attempts to sell the club.

Indeed, Erik ten Hag’s side have been in dire need of a striker since the acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo on the eve of the World Cup.

While United only have the in-form Marcus Rashford and the injury-prone Anthony Martial capable of playing the central striker role, the club do not have sufficient funds to sign a long-term option.

Instead, they have instead opted to bring in Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst on loan, with the deal expected to be finalised in the coming days.

However, according to a fresh report United’s spending may also be restricted in the next window, even if the Glazers sell the club.

Man Utd to ‘sell-to-buy’ in summer

According to the Telegraph, United will have to qualify for the Champions League and raise significant money through player sales if ten Hag is to sign the midfielder and striker he wants in the summer.

The publication claims the United boss wants a top striker, with the likes of Harry Kane, Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen on the club’s radar.

Moreover, the Old Trafford club are one of many pursuing Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, while they will also attempt to lure Frenkie de Jong away from Barcelona.

However, the Telegraph claims that a change of ownership will make little difference to ten Hag’s transfer budget unless revenues are boosted by Champions League football and player sales.

This is reportedly because of Uefa’s new Financial Sustainability rules and the £307million the club still owe in transfer fee instalments.

Of course, there are several players that could be on their way out of Old Trafford in the next six months including Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Fred and Donny van Beek.

All of the above would likely free up cash to spend elsewhere.

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Transfers

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.