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ERIK TEN HAG insists he is NOT guilty of blowing £400million of Manchester United’s cash.
The Dutch boss, who remains in limbo over his future, claims he did not sanction the big-money signings of Antony, Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana.
Ten Hag blames former CEO Richard Arnold and ex-director of football John Murtough who valued the players.
He said: “The prices paid are indeed very high but I’m not responsible for that.
“The club did all the negotiations, including for players with good potential who didn’t come in the end.
“So it is a bit more nuanced than the picture that is being painted that the club’s purchasing policy was disastrous.
“It’s all negative but despite all the problems the club’s foundation has grown stronger.
“That may not be visible to the outside world but internally everyone will make that analysis.”
Winger Antony turned into an £85.5m flop after joining from Ajax, where he played under Ten Hag.
Casemiro cost £70m from Real Madrid and had a good first season but could be offloaded this summer while United splashed £47.2m on Onana last year.
All were part of United’s WORST Prem season as Ten Hag’s side finished eighth.
After the Red Devils’ shock FA Cup final 2-1 win over Manchester City last weekend, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now conducting an end-of-season review with Ten Hag’s future firmly in the spotlight.
Ratcliffe has not backed the manager since his Ineos firm took over on Christmas Eve.
And Ten Hag hit back at United’s owners when he left Wembley, saying: “When I started, I said ‘I am here to win and also I want to build a team’.
“I am doing both. But if they don’t want me any more, I will go somewhere else and win trophies.
“I am in a project and we are exactly where we want to be. We are constructing a team for the future.
“When I took over we were in a mess. The team is developing, the team is winning and plays to an identity.” Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto de Zerbi have all been linked with the Old Trafford hotseat.
But Ten Hag finished third in his first season at United and — if he survives — he is keen to strengthen his squad this summer.
He added: “The plan last year was clear: We buy a striker and get a goalkeeper who is able to shape the football from behind, and an extra midfielder.
“That was the approach and we would then be stronger and be able to take the next step.” — Sun.
Online Reporter