With Manchester United needing additions in a number of key areas, and with some of their misfit players likely to prove as difficult as ever to shift, Ineos really could have done with Champions League football to aid their overhaul.
A top-four finish appeared to be within reach, too, only a few months ago. That 2-1 win at Aston Villa in February felt like a statement of intent from Erik ten Hag‘s side.
In the weeks that followed, however, the only clear ‘statement’ that could be gleaned from Manchester United‘s performances was that a pretty disastrous season cannot end soon enough.
The Red Devils have won only one of their previous six Premier League games, and dropped yet more points late on against Burnley last time out.
Zeki Amdouni’s 87th minute penalty at Old Trafford means Man United can no longer mathematically finish in the Champions League places, with a return to the Europa or even (shudder) the Conference League awaiting, presuming Ten Hag’s horrifically out-of-sorts team do not finish eighth or lower.
Erik ten Hag shares ‘budget’ issue at Manchester United
“Of course, it’s important (to finish in the European places). But we have two opportunities. One in the league and one in the FA Cup final,” Ten Hag explains, United facing off against rivals Man City at Wembley in a repeat of last year’s decider.
“Definitely, (missing out on the Champions League) will have an impact on the budget. But I’m sure Manchester United is a very attractive team and club to play for. Many players will be very happy to play for Manchester United, I’m sure.”
United have certainly not struggled to attract their leading targets in the past, even when a seat at Europe’s top table had alluded them. The issue this time around, however, is likely to be one of finance, with FFP concerns denying Ten Hag the striker he had hoped for in January and potentially restricting Ineos’ ambitions to overhaul the playing staff.
That may go some way to explaining why, per The Mirror, only ten players are all-but guaranteed to have a place in Man United’s plans beyond this summer, including Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund.
Cashing in on the likes of Mason Greenwood, Donny van de Beek and Hannibal Mejbri – while removing Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial and Casemiro from an eye-watering wage bill – may be United’s best hope of freeing up funds for new arrivals.
Can Ineos flog Dortmund loanee Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho’s swashbuckling display during Borussia Dortmund’s 1-0 Champions League semi-final win over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday should, in theory, add a few pounds onto the Englishman’s price-tag. Sancho arguably remains the most valuable asset among United’s many, many misfits.
“I’m looking at his body language and he just looks like a different player entirely! He’s wanting the ball, he’s demanding the ball,” TNT Sport co-commentator Ally McCoist said after Sancho ran left-back Nuno Mendes ragged at the Signal Iduna Park.
“He certainly looks rejuvenated that’s for sure. This is fabulous from Sancho. He’s magic
“It’s amazing. He’s got his mojo back. He wants to take people on, he’s happy, he’s in an environment where he’s liked. He just looks like a different football player
“This can’t be the same Jason Sancho.”
Dortmund may struggle to finance a permanent deal for Sancho. Benfica, at least, are expected to add £5 million to United’s coffers by signing Alvaro Fernandez.
Every little helps, and all that.
Man United will face Crystal Palace on Monday night at Selhurst Park.