Football
Erik ten Hag makes demand to Sir Jim Ratcliffe over Man Utd's summer transfer plans
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has warned Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he must oversee a strong summer transfer window if the Red Devils are to compete for the Premier League title next season.
With a spot in the top four almost mathematically impossible, United find themselves in a battle to seal any form of European Football this year, with Ten Hag also hoping to avoid leading the team to their lowest Premier League finish ever - currently seventh from 2013/14.
While Ten Hag argued injuries have hampered his side's push for Champions League qualification, he insisted the squad is simply not strong enough to comPete for the title at this point.
"It's not just a two or three-horse race in the league," he told a press conference. "There’s [Aston] Villa, there's Spurs, [and] there's Newcastle. So many good teams, who all can comPete.
"We're one of them, but we're not, at this moment, in a position to compete No.1 or No.2. That's a fact.
"This year, we stand still, but when everyone is available, definitely we're competing for the top four. I'm confident of that."
In a message to Ratcliffe, Ten Hag added: "We can come closer if we make a good window. We have to strengthen in key positions and also in the depth of the squad, which is one of the lessons from this season."
90min understands Ratcliffe is keen to seal a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, who is understood to be interested in making the switch to Old Trafford this summer.
A new striker is also on the agenda, and while there is interest in RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, officials are also looking at Brentford's Ivan Toney.
Toney is seen as both a reliable source of goals and a potential leadership figure in the United dressing room if he were to make the move this summer.
READ THE LATEST MAN UTD NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
-
Football10m ago
Lamz.Challenges Ahead: Expert Forecasts Tough Opposition for Moroccan Star Amrabat in Manchester United’s Friendly Match
-
Football2h ago
Lionel Messi’s Brilliance Shines as Inter Miami Crush New York Red Bulls 6-2 with Five Assist Masterclass
-
Football2h ago
Messi breaks record as Inter Miami triumphs in a major victory
-
Football3h ago
Humble Kyogo in Sunday Morning Celtic Vow
-
Football3h ago
Greg Taylor Names the “Clear Winner” for POTY
-
Football3h ago
Slot “not interested” in Liverpool job title – “You can call me Arne”!
-
Football3h ago
Jurgen Klopp proud of Champions League place – “Super important for the future”
-
Football3h ago
Arsenal's title chase continues as Declan Rice and Kai Havertz prove their worth in Manchester City chase