Ten Hag reveals the BIGGEST transfer change during Man Utd tenure

Suraj Radia

• 13 May 2023 13:50 BST
• 2 min read

Erik ten Hag has revealed the major difference he has noticed while preparing plans for the transfer window compared to his first summer with Manchester United.

The Dutchman will celebrate his one-year anniversary in charge of the club this week with United desperate to seal a return to Champions League football next season.

Qualifying for Europe’s premier competition would allow Ten Hag greater flexibility in the transfer market and the power to potentially target a higher calibre of players.

United heavily pursued Frenkie de Jong last summer but the Barcelona man turned down the chance to move to Old Trafford, in part due to their lack of Champions League football.

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However, Ten Hag has revealed that he has already seen a change in the attitude of prospective signings during his time at United, with players seemingly more sold on his vision for the club.

“I see a big difference in comparison with last year,” he said. “There were a lot of reservations last year when I spoke with players. Now many players see the project, what's going on, the dynamic and the ambition in this project and the quality especially.

“They are really keen to come, I've noticed that. Where there were a lot of reservations last year, a lot of doubts when we approached players, this year, many quality players really want to come.”

What are United’s summer plans?

United’s top priority this summer is to sign an elite striker, with the likes of Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Goncalo Ramos believed to be on their shortlist.

Ten Hag is also looking to bring in a midfielder and a defender but those pursuits could depend on the money raised through sales, as well as a resolution over the club’s ownership situation.

Bids from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim are being considered by the Glazer Family, with qualification for the Champions League not believed to be a difference maker to either party.

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However, while United’s new owners may not be put off by a lack of Champions League football, their prospective signings will be paying attention as to whether Ten Hag’s side can hold off Liverpool to keep their one point advantage in the top four of the Premier League.