Manchester United are going to need all the money they can get their hands on ahead of Erik ten Hag’s expected overhaul of the squad this summer.
Reports claim that the Dutchman will be given up to £150m to spend but that the coach wants more for his revamp. So, he may allow several in-contract players to leave alongside the plethora whose deals expire next month.
United’s already damaged pulling power could be further weakened on Sunday. Ralf Rangnick will be taking charge of the club for the final time during the trip to Crystal Palace.
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He is due to move into a development role with the board alongside his Austria national team duties after the final whistle. But he still has time to salvage some pride, and extra spending money, for United.
A disastrous season sees the club stuck in sixth with their Champions League quest now a distant memory. And there is still potential for them to drop lower should they fail to beat Palace.
If West Ham beat Brighton and United do not earn three points at Selhurst Park, Rangnick will have finished seventh. It means the club will be playing in the Europa Conference League instead of the Europa League next season.
It’s a scenario that would cost the club £5m, but also make it extremely difficult to persuade the top talents to move to Old Trafford. With the Europa League comes hope of Champions League qualification with a trophy win, even if a top four place cannot be secured.
But there is no such prize for those in UEFA’s third-tier competition, but perhaps the shame of spending energy playing on a Thursday night but not even being in the Europa League might sting more.
Therefore, United still have an important match on their hands on the final day, and Rangnick’s tactics could define ten Hag’s first transfer window - and maybe season - as boss.
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