Ten Hag says United must focus on signing ‘fighters’ (Picture: Getty)
Erik ten Hag has slammed Manchester United’s past transfer dealings, accusing the club of bringing too many ‘average’ players to Old Trafford.
United have spent over £1billion on new players since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013, winning an FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League in that time but with no silverware to show since that European success under Jose Mourinho five-and-a-half years ago.
While the club have faced countless false dawns in that time, there is renewed hope following ten Hag’s appointment in the summer with club showing marked improvement under his leadership.
The first summer transfer window overseen by the Dutchman has also seen the club address a number of problem areas, with Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Antony all arriving at the club.
But the United manager admits the club are now making up for past mistakes, hailing the leadership qualities and ‘personalities’ of recent additions.
In an interview with VI Magazine, Ten Hag said: ‘The club has bought an unimaginable number of players in recent years who have not been good enough.
‘Most purchases have been average – and at United average is not good enough. United’s shirt weighs heavily. Only real personalities, who can perform under great pressure, can play here.
ten Hag highlighted the signings of Casemiro and Eriksen (Picture: Getty)
‘We needed personalities. That’s why the acquisition of Casemiro was so important. Along with Raphael Varane, we now have a second player who has experience of winning titles.
‘Malacia, Martinez, Casemiro, Antony are all fighters, while Christian Eriksen is a technical winner and a great personality.
‘We want the best of the best. Any players we bring to Manchester United must meet the highest standard.’
United have seen a number of their most expensive signings come and go since their last Premier League title triumph including Angel Di Maria, Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba.
Ten Hag hopes to end that run of unsuccessful signings with a new striker likely to be a top priority in the summer.
United are hoping to bring in a new forward option this month but the club will be limited to loan signings with Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix among the options being considered.
MORE : Erik ten Hag snubs Arsenal and names Manchester United’s two biggest rivals
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United have spent over £1billion since Sir Alex Ferguson left.
