Erik Ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has stated that Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations hindered the club’s ability to compete for trophies this season.
Ten Hag emphasized that the team’s budget constraints, stemming from the necessity to adhere to FFP guidelines, prevented them from building on their third-place finish in the previous campaign.
The Dutch manager expressed his desire to acquire Harry Kane from Tottenham for £100 million. However, due to financial limitations, the club instead made signings such as Rasmus Hojlund for £72 million and invested £102 million in Mason Mount and goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Reflecting on the team’s summer decisions, Ten Hag remarked, “When we were in the summer, I think we had very good momentum. We had finished third, won one final, and were in another final.”
He acknowledged that the choice to prioritize young players for the future was influenced by FFP regulations, adding, “That was the choice we made – but you then know it will take longer before you can compete for top positions in the Premier League or Champions League.
Ten Hag’s remarks shed light on the challenges faced by Manchester United within the constraints of financial regulations, raising questions about the impact of FFP on the club’s ambitions in elite football competitions.