Erik ten Hag points finger of blame over Man Utd's failure to mount title bid this season

Erik ten Hag believes FFP concerns cost Manchester United a tilt at the title this season.

Ten Hag insists he was prevented from building on last year’s third-placed finish by budget restrictions caused by United’s need to balance the books.‌ The Dutchman was desperate for the Reds to splash £100million on England striker Harry Kane.‌

Instead, they spent £72million on 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund - and another £102million on Mason Mount and keeper Andre Onana.‌ And Ten Hag admitted: “When we were in the summer, I think we had very good momentum. We had finished third, we won one final, and were in another final. Then we chose to bring in young players for the future - and that had to do with FFP.

“That was the choice we made - but you then know it will take longer before you can come into the competition for the top positions in the Premier League or Champions League.”

A UEFA study published last week confirmed United boasted the most expensive squad in football last season. ‌

A bank-busting total of £1.2billion had been spent on players, with Ten Hag himself handed a £400million transfer kitty during his first summer at Old Trafford.

But United continue to service growing debts which have exploded through the £1billion barrier under the 19-year tenure of the Glazer family that retained a majority ownership of the club despite selling a 25 percent stake to Sir Jim Ratcliffe for £1.3billion.

United were fined £257,000 last summer for failing to meet UEFA’s Financial Fair Play Regulations.‌

And concerns that they may fall foul of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules prompted club bosses to ignore Ten Hag’s pleas to strike a loan deal for a striker last month.