Manchester United risk losing transfer advantage Erik ten Hag identified last season

Manchester United face another summer of major investment next year but could lose a key advantage identified by Erik ten Hag.

The Reds manager has already identified four key areas to strengthen during the summer window, those being full-back, centre-back, central midfield and in attack. Outgoings are expected in each area and Ten Hag will be keen to lower the age profile in defence and midfield.

United spent around £177million this summer. The bulk of that spend was on Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.

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There was competition for each of those major signings, but apart from ironing out financial details, all were relatively smooth deals. United will always possess transfer pull but speaking back in May, Ten Hag suggested a place in Europe's top competition also helped.

"All the big players want to play in the Champions League," he told Sky Sports. "Manchester United is a big club. In the period I've been here, I've noticed everyone wants to play for Manchester United

"Now it looks like we are in the Champions League, there is even more interest because they know we are in the Champions League and the Premier League at a high level. So, qualification will be important.

"In the Champions League you face the best teams across Europe, the best managers, in the best stadiums. For the players, they face the best players and [as a team] you are in a better league schedule, that is also important. It's very important for the rebuild of this club that we are in the Champions League."

Ten Hag did well to secure a third-place finish for United last season