Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will have to part ways with top talents in order to fund big-name signings this summer despite ongoing takeover talks.
The Dutchman will reportedly have £100 million at his disposal for player recruitment regardless of whether or not a takeover takes place, according to The Athletic.
United's current owners the Glazer family are looking to cash in and raise a world-record £6 billion for the club after 18 years of ownership.
Offers from British businessman Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim were submitted last month but there is still little indication as to who will be the next owner of Manchester United.
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Due to Financial Fair Play rules, United's spending will have to be limited with player sales currently looking as their most viable option to be able to afford the world-class talent that Ten Hag desires.
The United boss has publicly shared his desire to reinforce his squad with elite talent this summer but could be limited to just one or two high calibre recruitments.
It is understood that the Dutchman will seek a new goalkeeper with doubts surrounding current first choice David De Gea's contract which is due to expire this summer. Additionally, Ten Hag wants a new centre-forward, midfielder and winger.
Players such as Harry Maguire and Donny van de Beek seem the most likely to be sacrificed in order to raise funds with there undoubtedly still some deadwood in United's squad.
The United boss has already been quizzed on summer transfer plans, to which he responded: “I don’t have an influence on that… also I don’t know.
“The only thing what I know is that Man United is one of the biggest clubs and I think it’s among maybe the two biggest clubs in the world from a fanbase perspective.
“So I think this club has to compete for the highest in the world, so Champions League, Premier League.
“But in football you need funds to construct squads because at the end of the day, the level from your players makes you successful or not.
“Everyone knows you need funds to construct a squad. High level players cost a lot of money.
“I, we, see this as a project. In a project you are in windows, you strengthen your squad needs or make refreshments, so you get more balance and you bring young players in.
“But at the end of the day we want to be in the Champions League and we want to compete and knock them all out, so then we have a way to go.”
The Dutchman has overseen a successful first campaign in England, with United League Cup winners and FA Cup finalists whilst also in the driving seat to secure a top four finish with a four-point advantage over fifth-placed Liverpool with two games in hand.
Topics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League
Dan Hargraves