Erik ten Hag demands ANOTHER big-spending summer if he’s not sacked by Man United – with two players targeted for one position – as he complains about January investment

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has urged the club to spend big again this summer and expressed his frustration at the frugal winter transfer window.

United’s ability to make big money next season is expected to be affected by the club’s heavy spending in the past – with around £380 million invested in players since Ten Hag’s arrival in 2022 – and the need to meet to profit and sustainability rules.

It is believed that Ten Hag held several recruitment meetings to plan ahead, despite his future at Old Trafford looking increasingly dangerous. United are eighth and have missed out on Champions League football – a major blow to their finances.

The new regime – led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and new CEO Omar Berrada – is expected to lead a major overhaul at United as they look to improve their mixed recruitment track record and return the club to the top.

But Ten Hag has made no secret of his desire for a deeper squad, with United hit by 62 separate cases of illness and injury so far this season.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right) will lead an overhaul at Old Trafford as Ten Hag remains in jeopardy

Striker Rasmus Hojlund arrived last summer and has been exempt from any future United Fire Sale

“Yes, that is one of the problems in building the squad,” he said, “where we have to improve, do things better to build a squad where we have more depth.

“I think the most important thing is to get players back and bring them back. We have created depth in many positions and now we no longer have a choice in some positions.

‘For example, the left back position. (Luke) Shaw has only started 15 times so far this season and (Tyrell) Malacia has started zero. Not even available.’

Malacia was out for the entire season after undergoing knee surgery twice, but she was initially expected to return in January, putting the burden on Shaw’s shoulders.

“The left back is dependent on the availability of Luke Shaw,” said Ten Hag. ‘He will be fit.

Tyrell Malacia has been unavailable all season after two knee surgeries

Mason Mount has struggled to impress in his first season at Old Trafford due to injury

‘He is already returning to the field, we expect him back in the coming weeks. But with Malacia it depends on his availability.

‘I think every manager wants players with a winning mentality, great mentality and great personalities to perform under stress. That’s what every manager is looking for. At this club it is extremely important to perform under stress.’

United are believed to want three key signings this summer and Ten Hag, who wants two new centre-backs, hopes to strengthen his backline.

However, this can prove complicated. United may have to implement a sell-and-buy policy and as a result it has previously been reported that the club will consider offers for almost the entire squad, including striker Marcus Rashford.

Only three players – Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo – are said to be safe from the ax as United hope to build the future around them.

Antony has been much maligned since his move from Ajax and has scored just one league goal this year

Midfielder Casemiro could make way this summer as INEOS look for a major rebuild

Despite a slow first half of the season, United did not approve any moves for players in the January window – and this failure angered the manager.

“We did virtually no business in the two (winter) windows,” says Ten Hag.

‘The first time we hired Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer, two good ones, but this winter we did nothing. We tried, but it didn’t happen.

‘It had to do with the budget and FFP (financial fair play).’