Erik ten Hag concedes that Manchester United’s inability to qualify for the Champions League, which might cost £85 million, would have an influence on summer team building.
The Premier League’s renewed emphasis on profit and environmental requirements has already been felt throughout the competition.
And Ten Hag has revealed that the new FFP restrictions have already stopped him from signing a much-needed striker during the January transfer window.
With prospects of a top-four finish fading and a spot in the Europa League or Europa Conference League far from assured, Ten Hag understands that United’s European destination next season will have an influence on his spending capacity.
“It’s very important to play in the Champions League, that’s clear; we don’t need to talk about it,” remarked United’s boss.
“I’m not sure what the impact is right now.
“You have more financial power when you achieve the Champions League, and that is our target, absolutely.”
Unlikely as it may have appeared a few weeks ago, prior to a run that has resulted in 10 points out of the last 15 available in the league, Champions League football next season is not out of the question.
A win against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon would bring United to within five points of Unai Emery’s side with 14 games remaining. However, it remains a tough order, with Tottenham now standing between the two clubs.
The English teams made an average of £85 million from participation in the Champions League last season, compared with £24.7 million in the Europa League and £18 million in the Conference League.
But the Champions League’s complicated payment structures offer clubs multiple revenue streams, with prize money, appearance money, and television money all feeding into the overall pot.
Estimates put the sum made by neighboring City for winning the Champions League last season at around £108 million—an indication of the riches United will be missing out on if they end this season out of the competition for the third time in eight years.
The potential lack of firepower at ten Hag’s disposal this summer would place added emphasis on his group of young players, whose development has been one of the bright points of a so-far disappointing campaign.
The possible dearth of firepower at Ten Hag’s disposal this summer would put even more focus on his young players, whose progress has been one of the bright spots in an otherwise terrible season.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 18, has performed at a level much above his years in recent weeks and is poised to start alongside Casemiro at Villa Park, with Ten Hag complimenting the Brazilian veteran for his effect on the teenager.
“He gives you calmness and composure on the ball; he gives you options; he sees the critical pass, so he is always a step ahead of his opponent to break lines,” Ten Hag went on to say.
“So he’s a crucial player in our game, and we’re glad he’s back.
“And Kobbie Mainoo can learn a lot from that, and there is definitely a relationship [between them].
“Kobbie is highly coachable; Casemiro has a wealth of knowledge, and Kobbie will learn a lot from him, perhaps accelerating his growth. When they play together, I believe they will benefit from each other.
“Casemiro accepts that duty, brings it to him, talks to him; I see it in the locker room, on the field during games, and in training.
“Of course he looking at his own game but he’s trying to help and support Kobbie.“
