Erik ten Hag makes worrying admission over Man Utd's transfer decisions amid growing pressure

Erik ten Hag - who is under pressure as Manchester United manager - has suggested that Profit and Sustainability regulations mean the club cannot continue to break the bank in the transfer market

Erik ten Hag has admitted that he has been forced to put his future in the hands of kids due to the financial restrictions at Manchester United.

The Dutchman has spent almost £620million during his two years at Old Trafford. But United have burned through virtually £2billion since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 - and Ten Hag insists the club is now feeling the pinch.

Players like Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte have been bought for their long-term potential as the Reds have looked to overhaul an ageing and underachieving squad, while youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo have also been thrown into the fray.

And Ten Hag has suggested that Profit and Sustainability regulations mean United cannot continue to break the bank in the transfer market. Ten Hag said: “Those are the choices we have made in the last two seasons. I understand the impression that many have for Manchester United because the history is so big.

“But those are the choices we have made - and also it has something to do with financials and other restrictions we have to deal with. We made the choice for younger players and you can’t expect them to be at the (top) level.

“We have to improve them and they have to improve themselves and we have to find a team that can be successful on a consistent basis. This team, in the last two years, has shown what they can do with patience. With patience we can win trophies and now we have to get more consistent.

“We are where we are now with this squad. With all the restrictions we had, we have done good work. Now we have to work with the squad and improve. We have a good squad, with young players. We have to improve the team and we have high targets - and we want to achieve those targets for this season and the years beyond.”

Whether Ten Hag is given the time to see the project through is another issue. United have won just two of their opening five Premier League games ahead of the visit of Tottenham - and on Wednesday night they were held to a humbling home draw in the Europa League by FC Twente.

Image: UEFA via Getty Images) UEFA via Getty Images)

Ten Hag was eventually given a vote of confidence by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the summer after a recruitment drive failed to come up with a replacement. The United boss claims he has not been told that his future hinges on qualifying for the Champions League.

But he accepts that is under growing pressure - and has called on the players he has put his trust in to come to terms with the level of expectation at what is already a pivotal stage of the campaign. Ten Hag said: “It (qualifying for the Champions League) is never spoken of now you ask me the question - but what I think is we have to succeed.

“We have to win trophies, that is what this club stands for. This club has the ambition to play on the highest platform and we want to achieve the Champions League. We have two routes, one is through the Premier League and one is through the Europa League.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

“I think they (the players) will be judged every game - and that’s normal. Everyone, for every game, expects United to be winning. We know that. It isn’t a secret for anyone.

“When you are in this club you have to deal with this factor - and we do. It doesn’t matter whether you are young or old. We have to cope with this and get the best out of it and match the expectations that everyone has.

“But we know also that, with all respect, young players, a young squad, a new team takes some time. We are going in a good direction, I think, in the last couple of weeks in many aspects of football.‌ Now it’s about being more efficient and scoring more goals because that will win you games.”

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