Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has issued a demand to the club's current owners the Glazers that there will be money to spend in the summer. The Dutchman has also given an update on the future of Marcus Rashford as the forward's contract continues to tick down.
The future of United's ownership remains uncertain. INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim are in a head-to-head battle to buy the club.
Sheikh Jassim is determined to win the race and reports claim he is mulling over making a fifth bid. He wants to buy the club outright from the Glazers, whereas Ratcliffe's plan would see the current owners remain as minority shareholders.
When asked about the increased uncertainty, Ten Hag insists focus must be on his team qualifying for the Champions League as well as the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City. However, he admits he will be happy as long as there are funds available in the summer, whatever the source of the money is.
He said: "We do our job in the background and we're working hard. But, for now, it's about games, getting into the Champions League and the FA Cup.
"For me, it's about finance and that there is the money available to do the right things. But first of all, we have to be in the Champions League and the top four and that is our focus."
Meanwhile, Rashford's contract at Old Trafford is still set to expire at the end of next season. The England international has enjoyed his best goalscoring campaign, netting 29 times in all competitions.
Ten Hag says discussions are still being held with Rashford and that all parties want him to stay. However, he would not open up about why it is taking so long.
Ten Hag added: "Marcus wants to stay and we want him to stay, so I think we will find each other. I know why [it's taking so long], but I don’t talk about the process.
"Let the process go. Once again, this is not important at the moment for me or Rashy. For him, the important thing is to get more goals this season.
"He's playing a wonderful season and the team is playing a wonderful season. We have to get into the Champions League and focus on that."
United can end Manchester City's chances of a treble in the FA Cup final. But Ten Hag doesn't want to look forward to the Wembley clash just yet.
He said: "When we have three games and it’s gone, yes, I will enjoy it. Before that, it is not important at all.
"I think we have to keep doing what we have all season - improve every day and improve every game and not look too far ahead. Focusing on the next game is the most important thing."
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