Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has warned the Red Devils that they must continue to spend if they are to maintain their top-four standing in the Premier League.
The Dutchman has led the 20-time English champions back into the Champions League at the first time of asking since arriving from Ajax in the summer of 2022.
A 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea in midweek assured the Red Devils of a top-four finish, and they clinched third place on the final day by overcoming Fulham 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Upon his arrival in Manchester, Ten Hag wasted no time moulding the squad into his own vision and oversaw the big-money acquisitions of Antony, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez.
Tyrell Malacia also arrived at the Theatre of Dreams for a modest fee, as did Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, while Marcel Sabitzer, Wout Weghorst and Jack Butland all joined on loan in January.
© Reuters
Despite their success under Ten Hag this season - which also includes winning the 2022-23 EFL Cup, their first trophy for six years - Man United are expected to be heavily active in the transfer market in a bid to continue progressing.
A new centre-forward is thought to be the Red Devils' number one priority, while a midfielder, right-back, centre-back and goalkeeper could also be on the cards depending on summer departures.
Speaking to the media after Sunday's win over Fulham, Ten Hag affirmed that his side must dip into their cash reserves to continue improving the squad lest they risk falling behind their rivals in the top-four race.
"The club knows that if you want to play top four, if you want to compete for trophies in this tough league, you have to invest, otherwise you won't progress because other clubs will," Ten Hag said.
"We saw it in the winter. All the clubs around us invested. We didn't and still we made it. So I am really happy and proud of my team."
© Reuters
However, Man United's summer transfer business is currently shrouded in uncertainty due to the ownership situation as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani wrestle for control of the club.
The takeover process is moving slowly amid reports of the Glazers's £6bn valuation not being met, while there is also believed to be a difference of opinion within the family over whether to conduct a full sale or only seek out minority investment.
Either way, Man United are believed to be working on signing a big-money striker to succeed Cristiano Ronaldo, with Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane still being heavily linked with a move.
The Red Devils are said to be wary of getting involved in a protracted transfer saga, though, and the England captain still has one year left to run on his contract at Tottenham.
With Weghorst and Anthony Martial both failing to fire on a consistent basis this season, Marcus Rashford shouldered the goalscoring burden with 30 strikes in all tournaments, and Ten Hag believes that the Englishman is capable of reaching the 40-goal mark.
Ben Knapton
