- Ten Hag is frustrated with the FFP rules after Man United fired thirteen players
- Man United have made no signings due to FFP restrictions on his club’s spending
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Erik ten Hag has complained about the FFP rules after Manchester United had to release thirteen players in January without being able to make any new signings.
The United boss opted to trim his squad and fire mainly marginal players. Despite spending around £410million since taking office, Ten Hag only has one recognized fit striker in Rasmus Hojlund, as FFP restrictions prevented him from signing a new one last month.
United parted ways with Jadon Sancho, Alvaro Fernandez, Facundo Pellistri, Joe Hugill, Maxi Oyedele, Rhys Bennett, Dan Gore, Radek Vitek, Isak Hansen-Aaroen and Sonny Aljofree in January, either on loan or permanently.
To control the wage bill, Ten Hag mainly used the credit market, juggling the club’s financial figures. However, he expressed frustration at the strict rules that can lead to points deductions, hampering his ability to build a strong United team.
Ten Hag explained: ‘It’s no secret: I wanted a striker, and with Martial’s injury we don’t really have the backup. That was not possible because we have to comply with the FFP rules.
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Ten Hag regretted the FFP restrictions that prevented him from signing a striker in January
Chelsea’s £55.6million signing Mason Mount is still sidelined through injury
Jadon Sancho was among those who left on loan in January to take stock
‘There are some disadvantages to FFP. To make room for FFP you actually have to sell players. You have to sell good players, and I don’t think you build a team that way.”
While Ten Hag brought in Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst on loan last year, such moves did not apply this time. Instead, the club witnessed the departure of several players in January.
Despite challenges, Ten Hag is relieved that a number of players are back from injury, including Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez.
Although there were concerns about Martinez after the Wolves game, his foot injury is not considered serious.
One player still sidelined is Chelsea’s £55.6m signing Mason Mount. Ten Hag acknowledged Mount’s struggles with injuries and expressed his commitment to supporting his recovery.
The manager wants to prioritize Mount’s gradual return to fitness in the hope that he can contribute more to the team towards the end of the season.