Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has thrown Jose Mourinho under the bus when discussing his side’s transfer business. The Dutchman has called for increased backing this summer, with a major overhaul planned.
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The Red Devils are planning to splash the cash at the end of the season, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe identifying targets at both ends of the pitch. Jarred Branthwaite, Michael Olise and Ivan Toney are among a host of names tipped to head to the Old Trafford outfit, with other acquisitions also in the pipeline.
Ten Hag has also been linked with a move away from United, though the Dutch manager is hopeful that he can prove his worth at the Theatre of Dreams by having a squad built which fits his demands.
The ex-Ajax manager has been well-backed previously but saw his request of a new striker fall on deaf ears in the January transfer window, with Rasmus Hojlund being his only available forward for the vast majority of the campaign.
Speaking ahead of United’s clash with Crystal Palace, Ten Hag told ESPN Brazil: “Apart from Mourinho, the manager didn't get the players they wanted, and that is what you need.
"I am confident we will achieve our goals, but it is a tough competition. It is not a two-horse race anymore. There are seven, eight [teams in the Premier League] who all go for the title, who all have very good squads. So if you want to go to the title, you have to construct that squad."
Ten Hag has played a key role in recruitment previously, with Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Andre Onana all being signed due to how they have worked with the manager in the Eredivisie previously. He also played a role in the pursuits of Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia.
However, the Red Devils boss certainly feels that Mourinho was given more favourable treatment by the higher powers at the club when it comes to spending sprees. The Portuguese boss saw Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic arrive under his instruction.
But Mourinho has never shied away from speaking about his tenure at the Theatre of Dreams and revealing that not all of his transfer wishes were adhered, both in regards to incomings and outgoings. The ex-Chelsea boss recently admitted that five years after his sacking, there are still a handful of players on the United books which he told the club should be offloaded to raise funds.
