Erik ten Hag explains why he can’t be blamed for Man Utd’s poor transfers

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has refused to take responsibility for blowing almost half a billion pounds in the transfer market on disappointing signings.

Antony, Casemiro and Mason Mount are just a few players who have largely disappointed fans since arriving at Old Trafford, being brought in for exorbitant fees.

Ten Hag recently claimed he had nothing to do with the valuations of high-profile signings and instead suggested former chief executive Richard Arnold and former director of football John Murtough sanction investments that failed to reap rewards or impress fans .

“The prices paid for the players are very high indeed – but I’m not responsible for that,” the Dutchman said (via The mirror). “The club did all the negotiations, including with very good potential players who didn’t come in the end.

“So it’s all a bit more nuanced than the picture that’s being painted that the procurement policy is disastrous. Everything is negative, but despite all the problems, the foundation at the club has strengthened.

“It may not all be visible to the outside world now, but everyone inside will be doing this analysis.

“With talents like (Kobbie) Mainoo, (Alejandro) Garnacho, Hojlund and also someone like Amad Diallo who has developed very strongly, the future looks bright.”

If Ten Hag remains in charge of the Red Devils, he wants to bring in three new faces – a striker, a centre-back and a midfielder – this summer. Arsenal physio Jordan Reece is set to move to Old Trafford and could provide valuable expertise to help the club mount another challenge at the top of the table.

Ten Hag continued: “You can start playing in the top four with such an eleven. That gives me hope and is also realistic in my eyes. The plan last year was clear: we buy a striker and get a goalkeeper who is able to form the football from the back and an extra midfielder.

“That was the approach and theoretically then we will be stronger and able to take the next step.”

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