Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has denied reports that most of his squad are up for sale this summer.
There had been several reports in the English media earlier this week that the Old Trafford club would entertain bids for all their players with the exception of three of their youngsters, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund.
“It’s a joke!” Ten Hag said at a press conference on Thursday. “Every summer, we sell every player in our squad. Which is untrue. Be calm and take responsibility when you take such a headline.”
“As long as I worked here, every summer, 200 players are getting an interest from Manchester United, which is untrue. We did some research.”
Despite the denials, there is still expected to be a major overhaul of United’s squad, and Ten Hag was asked what the club would do this summer.
“There is always a lot of work,” he replied. “It’s normal that when you go into a transfer window. The injuries United have had this season had a big impact.”
“We are still below the levels from the expectations that Manchester United has. So we have to catch up.”
“I am now going into my fifth window, two windows were ok, two windows we missed. We have to make new improvements in the summer. There is a base of this squad that is very good. Injuries had a big impact on our season.”
Jadon Sancho is one player that is highly likely to leave Old Trafford this summer, since his dispute with Ten Hag earlier in the season, which saw him sent out on loan to Borussia Dortmund in January.
The 24-year-old winger has largely impressed back in Germany, including his exceptional performance against Paris Saint-German in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.
“Let’s say this, he played very good and I have already talked a lot about this, he is a very good player,” Ten Hag replied when asked for his reaction to Sancho’s form.
“He showed why Manchester United bought him and he showed that he represents a high value for Manchester United, which is good. I am happy for Jadon and I am happy with his performance. We will see what is going to happen in the future.”
In the last week it was confirmed it was now mathematically impossible for United to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and Ten Hag was asked how that would affect the club’s plans in the transfer market.
“Definitely, it will have an impact on the budget but I am sure Manchester United is a very attractive team and a club to play for. Many players will be very pleased and very happy to play for Manchester United, I am sure.”