Manchester United are bracing themselves for a potentially challenging transfer window following the reaction of a prospective manager to their financial constraints.
The Red Devils are preparing for the 2024/25 season under the leadership of Erik ten Hag, whose future was secured earlier this week with talks of a contract extension underway.
After a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos undertook a post-season review while engaging with potential replacements for the 54 year old Dutchman, reports the Mirror.
However, these discussions hit a snag when one manager on United’s shortlist was reportedly ‘astounded’ by the low salary on offer, according to The Times. Another candidate was said to be ‘left unimpressed’ by the limited budget allocated for player acquisitions.
United are hoping to bolster their transfer funds through the potential sales of Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood, but it seems they failed to make a positive impression on the managers considered as Ten Hag’s successors.
This summer will be crucial for United as they aim to recover from finishing behind seven other teams in the league. They also need to manage their squad effectively as they face a packed schedule after qualifying for the revamped Europa League.
If their signings fall short of expectations, fans could be in for another season of disappointment.
Among the candidates who were looked at to replace Ten Hag was ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, who was removed from the running of the job after bosses no longer considered him a suitable fit for the job. The German who remains a free agent was reportedly planning to sign Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger fresh off a Champions League triumph with the Spanish giants, but that deal won’t be happening with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite firmly in United’s sights now.