ERIK TEN HAG has sensationally claimed Manchester United need “better players” to fight for the Premier League title.
The Red Devils clinched Champions League football on Thursday evening with a 4-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford.
But they remain well adrift of local rivals Manchester City – who sit 17 points clear of their neighbours heading into the final weekend of the season.
And Ten Hag has admitted his squad needs to be bolstered significantly if they are to end their decade-long pursuit of a league title.
Speaking after the win over Chelsea, he told Sky Sports: “It is a good base to build on but standards have to go up and demands have to rise.
“We have to work in the summer with this squad but we also have to strengthen in the window with this squad.
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“We want to compete for the title but it has to be realistic. It is what is there.
“Now, we are far away so there is a lot of work to do but we need better players if want to compete for the highest.”
The size of Ten Hag’s transfer kitty this summer looks set to depend on who owns the club.
The Glazers’ sale continues to drag on as British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani are embroiled in a bidding war.
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United have been linked with signing a host of huge players and could shell out as much as £365million on FIVE stars.
Tottenham striker Harry Kane is the most high-profile target as he prepares to enter the final 12 months of his contract.
But the England skipper could still set United back £100m as Spurs hold out for a huge fee for their all-time record scorer.
Another Three Lions star seemingly on the market is midfielder Mason Mount.
The Chelsea man also has just one year left on his existing deal and has been linked with United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Ten Hag is keen to acquire him for £55m, but Blues owner Todd Boehly is believed to be commanding £80m.
And Mount’s childhood friend, Declan Rice, is expected to cost even more when he departs West Ham.
The 24-year-old Hammers captain has been priced at £100m by David Moyes’ men.
And interest from a number of Premier League giants – such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd – could drive the price through the roof.
Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae is another summer pursuit that will cost around £40m.
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And Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong could come in as competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot.
But he is also valued at around £45m – so nobody is expected to come to Man Utd on the cheap this summer.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
