Manchester United have had a progressive season under manager Erik ten Hag and they are currently on course to qualify for the Champions League next term.
The Dutch tactician needs to be backed with a huge transfer budget this summer but as things stand, there is uncertainty with the ongoing takeover talk.
When asked about transfer funds for the summer, Ten Hag said: “No, I don’t have influence on that… also I don’t know.”
“The only thing I know is that Man United is one of the biggest clubs in the world from a fanbase perspective.
“The club has to compete for the highest in the world — Champions League, Premier League.
“But in football you need funds to construct squads because, at the end of the day, the level of your players decides if you are successful or not. Everyone knows high-level players cost a lot of money.”
Amidst this, Liverpool and Real Madrid are already setting examples with their quick transfer moves.
Madrid have been long-term admirers of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Marca claim that the player has already agreed a six-year deal in principle.
Furthermore, Dortmund are also willing to lower their price tag from €140 million to between €100-120 million and a transfer agreement could be reached this month.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have taken a step back for Bellingham after their average Premier League campaign that could see them miss out on Champions League football.
However, they are now progressing with talks to sign Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion.
As per Fabrizio Romano, the Merseyside outfit have already presented their project to the player’s camp and feel they can sort out a transfer with the Seagulls.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are very optimistic that they can convince the Argentine star in the next few weeks.
Judging from above, it is quite clear that Madrid and Liverpool are favourites to sign Bellingham and Mac Allister respectively ahead of the next transfer window.
In comparison, United have not engaged in advanced talks for any player thus far. The season has yet to conclude but they should be pro-active over transfer deals.
Liverpool and Madrid are planning well ahead of the summer while United are currently under a cloud of uncertainty over the ownership amid the Glazer’s stance.
Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have already proposed bids to takeover United but neither of them have met the Glazers’ asking price in the region of £6 billion.
This has prolonged the takeover talks for months. In our view, the Glazers must act fast. They either need to sell the club or opt for some kind of minority investment.
We would personally prefer the former to happen. Hopefully, there is more clarity over the transfer budget soon. Else, United could lose their main targets to rival clubs.
