01 April 2023 , 21:30
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Erik ten Hag insists that Manchester United will still be able to attract top players - even without the lure of the Champions League.
United are well-placed for a top-four finish at the end of a season which has seen Ten Hag land the club’s first trophy in six years. But the Reds were able to persuade Brazilian star Casemiro to quit Real Madrid last summer despite going into the Europa League.
And Ten Hag said: "Let’s make clear one thing: we have to play in the Champions League. We’re Manchester United and have to be in it. There can be no misunderstanding. But even when we’re not, we are still attractive for the top players.
“Casemiro is a very good example. He has won everything, including the Champions League, but he was willing to come to Manchester United. Even when we are playing in the Europa League, this club attracts big people. It is very interesting for them and they want to be part of this club.”
United prevailed over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup Final and now head to St James’ Park for a Premier League meeting that is vital for both clubs. The Toon are now serious players after their Saudi takeover last year.
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But while Ten Hag admits that money matters, the most important thing is to implement a strategy. He added: "Money is one thing, but another thing is strategy.
Erik ten Hag insists Man Utd can attract top players even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League (talkSPORT)“When I was at Ajax we had a low budget in comparison to many clubs in the Champions League and still we won the groups, got to the semi-final and were close to the final. So it is possible to beat teams with higher budgets.
“From my analysis, we are going in the right direction. I think we are building a base this season but we have to progress. You can do that by developing the team. You have to play better in every game and in every training session so you can develop your way of playing - and that's what we are doing.
“We are setting higher demands and standards for our players every time and for the rest in the summer we will see. Just now, that's not our focus point. Just now, it's about a better way of playing so we have a better chance of winning games.”