Erik ten Hag’s Man City comments show what he expects from Manchester United transfers this summer

When Manchester City's era of success is discussed it usually revolves around one man. Pep Guardiola is king of all he surveys at the Etihad and the architect of some of the most dominant and impressive teams the Premier League has seen.

But when his influence was put to Erik ten Hag a week ago, it was interesting to hear the Dutchman shine the spotlight on someone else. "I don't know if that is true," Ten Hag said when it was suggested to him the most important person at a club should be the manager, just like Guardiola at City.

"Don't underestimate the role of [Txiki] Begiristain," said the United manager. It was a pointed reference that the success of a football club as a whole is never down to just the manager. They need the right players, capable of fitting into a style of play and adding quality.

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But when it comes to the role of sporting directors such as Begiristian - and United's John Murtough - recruiting players is only half the job. Selling them is key as well.

Ten Hag enjoyed an excellent relationship with Marc Overmars at Ajax, before the former Arsenal winger left in February last year after sending inappropriate messages to a female colleague. The indications are he's also working well with Murtough at Old Trafford.

The manager certainly got his way over transfers a year ago. The £225million spent was over budget and the fact they continued to push for Antony on Ten Hag's say-so showed the influence he had.

That sending is going to have an effect this summer in an era of financial fair play and cost controls. United don't have the budget to do everything Ten Hag wants, especially when the acquisition of a striker is going