Ten Hag bemoans lack of spending at Manchester United

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag

Ten Hag bemoans lack of spending at Manchester United

Ayoola Kelechi 18:58 - 29.05.2023

Ten Hag has said Manchester United to spend as much as rivals to keep pace

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has criticised his team’s lack of effort in the transfer market compared to other Premier League rivals after securing a top-four finish in the league campaign. 

Ten Hag talks up importance of spending

The Dutch manager has overseen a turnaround at Manchester United in the 2022/23 season, helping the club back into the Champions League places and winning the EFL Cup in his first season as head coach. 

However, the coach believes more could have been achieved with more backing from the club’s chiefs. 

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The Red Devils finished off their Premier League season in fine fashion, seeing off Fulham as they prepare for the FA Cup final against Manchester City, but after the game, Ten Hag had some words for the club’s hierarchy about the lack of financial support in the January transfer window. 

Ten Hag proud to finish in top four despite not spending in January

Speaking after the Fulham game, Ten Hag was keen to point out the importance of making improvements to the squad where needed after watching long-time target Cody Gakpo go to Liverpool while they had to settle for Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley. 

He said, “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.”

Wout Weghorst joined Manchester United on loan
Wout Weghorst was Manchester United's only winter signng

Despite the setbacks, Ten Hag was still full of praise for his team who managed to reach the Champions League group stages next season after holding off Liverpool in the final weeks of the season even after being outspent by their rivals for a top-four place. 

“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.”

Manchester United could seal a solid season with victory over rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final, stopping their march towards a historic treble. 

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