Amid swirling rumors of a massive squad overhaul, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has robustly defended his team, describing the widespread media speculation as "untrue" and a "joke." As United gears up for its first summer transfer window under the stewardship of new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group, ten Hag faced questions about the future of key players, including Marcus Rashford.
Reports earlier in the week suggested that a significant portion of the squad was set to be put on the market this summer, raising eyebrows among fans and commentators alike. However, speaking before United's upcoming game against Crystal Palace, ten Hag was quick to dismiss these claims, emphasizing the strength of his current lineup and his plans for strategic enhancements rather than a wholesale refresh.
"It's a joke! Every summer, according to the media, 200 players are supposedly interested in joining Manchester United, and simultaneously, every player is apparently for sale," ten Hag stated, clearly frustrated by the recurring narrative. "This is totally crap," he added, urging the media to be more responsible with their reporting.
The Dutch manager admitted that while the squad needs some improvements, especially after a season impacted heavily by injuries, the core group remains solid. "We have a base of this squad that is very good," he said. Despite this, he acknowledged the challenges of the past seasons, noting, "We are still below the levels from the expectations that Manchester United has. So we have to catch up."
One particular case in point is Jadon Sancho, whose future at United has been the subject of intense speculation after a temporary move back to Borussia Dortmund. Sancho's recent performance in Dortmund's Champions League victory over PSG highlighted his potential, with ten Hag remarking, "He played very well. He showed why Manchester United bought him, and he represents a high value for Manchester United."
Despite not qualifying for the next season's Champions League, ten Hag remains optimistic about United's attractiveness to potential signings. "Manchester United is a very attractive team to play for, and many players will be very pleased and happy to play for Manchester United," he asserted.
Amid these discussions, ten Hag is preparing for the FA Cup final against Manchester City, an opportunity to secure European football for the next season through the Europa League. He also noted the impact of missing out on the Champions League on the club's budget but remains focused on building a competitive team.
