Erik Ten Hag is assured that Manchester United can execute their transfer plans in the summer transfer window irrespective of whoever the owners of the club might be.
Future plans of the club are filled with uncertainties after the Glazers disclosed they were looking at the possibility of selling the club as part of “exploring strategic alternatives” in November.
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani are two main individuals battling to acquire Manchester United.
Both interested parties have put forward bids to merchant bank Raine Group who have been saddled with the responsibility of brokering the sale of Man Utd.
Minority funding has not been thrown out of the window yet and while we still continue to ponder on who would be the next owner of Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag is confident that transfer planning would not be hampered.
When questioned on if the stalled takeover process was having a negative effect on transfer policies or if he would be able to soldier on with the recruitment team, Ten Hag said: “Yeah, that’s what I’m doing and that’s our job.
“This season that has to be our energy and the focus, but of course we are also planning for the future, for next season and that’s what we have to do.
“And that is also talking with your scouting department, recruitment responsibilities, and talking with players of course.”
Erik Ten Hag on Manchester United’s approach in the transfer market for next summer
Erik Ten Hag was questioned if Manchester United would have the capacity to approach marquee signings during the summer if there was no change in the ownership situation.
Ten Hag replied: “I think so. I came in here at the end of last season and we talked about what we can do in the squad, what we can do in transfers.
“And last year, the club confirmed they can do it. So, for me, I don’t think anything has changed and yeah, in this summer period we can do the same.”
Throughout the season, Manchester United have made the acquisition of a striker and a versatile midfielder their priority for the summer
And on many occasions under the ownership of the Glazers, Manchester United have dolled out the cash to sign players.
However, there is some apprehension that it might not be business as usual during the summer.
Based on current standings, Manchester United are sure that a good foundation has been laid for the summer window.
There is uncertainty around those plans though and that is if there would be a change in ownership and agreement.
In the previous week, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani tabled an improved fourth bid to acquire Manchester United.
The new bid by the Qatari businessman was believed to be a little short of £5bn but far from the Glazer family’s £6bn asking price.
The bid was submitted to the Raine Group, the New York-based investment bank superintending the sale of the English club.
A report which earlier claimed an improved offer from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS had put them in pole position to acquire Manchester United prompted Sheikh Jassim to table the offer.
A third and last phase of bidding ended on the 28th of April 2023
The Qatari businessman who is a fan of Manchester United feels his bid is a very attractive one as it offers great benefits to Manchester United.
Benefits which include clearing off around £1 billion valuation of the team’s debt and a different investment to refurbish Old Trafford alongside the club’s training ground and neighboring areas.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe bid values Manchester United at a bigger amount than Sheikh Jassim but it’s not for the entire team and he would also offer the Glazer family the chance to own a 20 percent share of the club.
This is an offer which has received mixed feelings from Manchester United fans, with some on the divide that the Glazer family should totally exit the club as they have done more harm than good handling the club.
Back to Erik Ten Hag, he was also asked about Neymar Jr and if Manchester United are interested in the Brazilian amid several reports linking the PSG man to Old Trafford.
Ten Hag was brief in answering and he said: “When we have news, we will tell you.”
Manchester United welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford on Thursday as they look to confirm their place in the UEFA Champions League for next season.
The Red Devils only need a draw to seal qualification and that isn’t far from grasp as they are in a richer vein of form than Frank Lampard’s Chelsea.
Manchester United have lost only one game at Old Trafford all through the campaign and they would be aiming for another victory at home to Chelsea.
The first leg of the encounter ended 1-1 at Stamford Bridge with Jorginho scoring a late penalty before Casemiro equalized for Ten Hag’s side.
