Erik ten Hag admits that the potential £85 million hole left by Manchester United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League will impact summer team-building.
The Premier League’s refreshed emphasis on its profit and sustainability regulations has already been felt across the game.
And Ten Hag has admitted the new version of FFP rules have already prevented him from signing a desperately needed striker in the January transfer window.
Now, with hopes of a top-four finish receding and even a place in the Europa League or Europa Conference League far from guaranteed, Ten Hag knows United’s European destination next season will impact his spending power.
“It’s very important to play Champions League, that is clear, we don’t have to discuss this,” said the United manager.
“What exactly is the impact, that is what in this moment I don’t know.
“You have more financial power when you achieve the Champions League and that is our target, absolutely.”
Unlikely as it may have seemed a few weeks ago, before a run that has brought 10 points out of the past 15 available in the league, Champions League football next season is not completely out of the question.
Victory at Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon would lift United to within five points of Unai Emery’s side, with 14 games remaining. But it remains a tall order, with Spurs standing between the two clubs at present.
Instead, United are more likely to qualify for the lesser of the two European competitions, and take the financial “hit” that goes with it.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
