Erik ten Hag has issued a defiant defence of his performance in the transfer market to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with his Manchester United job on the line. The Dutchman has refused to take the blame for several big-money additions under his reign that have flattered to deceive.
Ten Hag’s future is still in limbo at Old Trafford, with INEOS currently undertaking an end-of-season review following their eighth-placed Premier League finish and FA Cup win. A decision on his future at United is expected shortly.
Recruitment is unlikely to be an argument that the current head coach can call upon, with big-money signings such as Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro and Mason Mount failing to move the needle and restore the Red Devils to their previous glory.
Over £400million has been spent since Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford, but he has rejected the idea that such a huge outlay is his fault, while reminding Ratcliffe that big fees and wages do not always correlate to success in English football.
“The prices paid for players are indeed very high – but I am not responsible for that,” Ten Hag protested. “The club did all the negotiations, including with very good potential players who didn’t come in the end.
“So it is all a bit more nuanced than the picture that is being painted that the purchase policy is disastrous. It’s all negative, but despite all the problems, the foundation at the club has grown stronger.
“That may not all be visible to the outside world now, but everyone internally will make that analysis. With talents like (Kobbie) Mainoo, (Alejandro) Garnacho, Hojlund and also someone like Amad Diallo, who has developed very strongly, the future looks bright.”
A growing youth revolution has been Ten Hag’s defining success in Manchester, highlighted by goals from Garnacho and Mainoo to down neighbours City at Wembley, with Ratcliffe planning to supplement them with additions with or without the current head coach.
Should the new decision-makers opt to part ways with Ten Hag despite his protests that mass spending was signed off by those above him, options to replace the ex-Ajax man are beginning to dwindle.
