Manchester United's protracted takeover situation continues to drag on and manager Erik ten Hag has been left concerned by the uncertainty.
Mirror Football understands that Ten Hag has sought answers on the situation from chief executive Richard Arnold, who replaced Ed Woodward last February. However, Arnold has been unable to provide total clarity, with his own role potentially in jeopardy depending on who buys the club.
Ten Hag is keen to strengthen his squad this summer with United currently fourth in the Premier League and hoping to secure a spot in next season's Champions League. The likes of Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen, Lautaro Martinez and Jurrien Timber are among United's top targets.
And while qualifying for the Champions League will not only make United a more attractive proposition for transfer targets and provide a financial boost, Ten Hag believes the schedule is also a "great advantage". If they are playing Champions League football next season then their European games will typically take place on a Tuesday or a Wednesday, with league fixtures happening on a Saturday.
For the majority of this season, United have had a lot of Thursday/Sunday fixtures due to their Europa League participation. "That's the great advantage of playing in the Champions League: you have a better week," Ten Hag said.
"You need so much energy, you need a good game-plan and, every game, you have to go again. "You can't do it at 99 per cent. You have to do it at 100 per cent.
"You have to do it over the full 95 minutes and that's why we like it. Top players like it, to have huge challenges, but that costs energy.
"That's our job, that's our responsibility. We have to take it and we lay this [defeat at Brighton ] aside. On Sunday, we go again and I'm sure we will be there."
United currently sit one point about fifth-placed Liverpool, who have played two more games, with matches against West Ham, Wolves, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham left to play this season.
