Erik ten Hag wants to be active in the summer transfer window, regardless of who owns Manchester United, in an attempt to compete for next season’s Premier League title. The sale of the club by the Glazer family appears to be edging closer with a number of interested parties reportedly circling Old Trafford prior to the start of formal bidding.
The process could extend well into the summer, a point not lost on United supporters, who saw their team sign just two loan players – Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst – in January. But Ten Hag insists he is planning for a summer of squad building and claims the uncertain ownership status has not impacted on his job so far. “No. I’m here to manage the team, to get the best out of them, and of course I have a job in bringing the right players in,” said Ten Hag.
“I have to be in debate with the management of the club, the board of the club, and we have a lot of communication about that. But I’m not here for the finance, I’m here to achieve the sporting aims and goals.
“I’m calm in that situation. I’m planning, I always go for the highest, so we go for the best we can get, but also we have plan B.”
United travel to Leeds today, four days after their 2-2 comeback draw, with injuries to Antony, Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay, plus the suspension of Casemiro, underlining a lack of strength in depth.
Ten Hag has opted for three changes from Wednesday’s game with Jadon Sancho starting and Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia come into a rearranged back four.
As for managerless Leeds, it’s two changes: Luis Sinisterra and Pascal Struijk, who came off with a concussion injury in midweek are out so Crysencio Summerville and Junior Firpo both start.
