Erik ten Hag makes “clear” statement amid Manchester United takeover question

Erik ten Hag has shared his thoughts on the lengthy takeover process at Manchester United which could impact his summer transfer business.

It was in November 2022 when the Glazer family confirmed that they were looking to acquire forms of investment at the club, including the possibility of a complete takeover. Six months on and it’s still unclear who will be in charge at Old Trafford come next season, despite Shiekh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe both making bids for the club.

This uncertainty has seeped into Ten Hag’s problems, with the Dutch manager keen on building on his first-season success at United in the summer, but is unsure of his budget for the transfer window due to the takeover process.

Asked whether he has guarantees about summer funds for signings, Ten Hag responded: “No I don’t have. I don’t have influence on that also, I don’t know.

“So the only thing that I know is that Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs and it is among two to three of the biggest clubs in the world from a fanbase perspective. I think this club has to compete for the highest [honours] in the world: Champions League and Premier League.

“But for that, you need funds, to construct squads because, at the end of the day, the levels from your players dictate whether you are a success or not.”

The United boss was pictured picking up a green and gold scarf at Old Trafford last weekend and returning it to a fan that dropped it. Despite the act being one of politeness, Ten Hag admitted that he knows the motivations behind the colours.

“No, it was just polite,” the Dutchman responded when asked if he acted in solidarity with fans by picking up the scarf. “But I know what is going around and what the symbol of it is, but this matter was just polite.”

Further quizzed on the difficulties of being in the dark about the future of the club, Ten Hag vaguely stated his position, whilst reminding reporters what his primary aims are as a manager.

“I think it is clear what I want but it is not up to me,” added the boss. “It’s about others in the club and finally, it is only the owners who can make that decision. So it is not up to me and I can do everything I can, and I influence the processes I am in charge of.

 “I am focusing on improving the squad, improving the team, improving the team’s development and I have to make sure the team is progressing. I am focusing only on that.”