Ten Hag happy for outcast Sancho after Dortmund win

Ten Hag has dismissed suggestions United might sell virtually all their players this summer.

It was reported – including by BBC Sport – that the club were willing to listen to offers for the majority of their players as they aim to compete for major prizes.

Ten Hag rejected the notion of a clearout.

“It’s a joke,” he said. “As long as I’ve worked [in football], every summer [it is reported] Manchester United are interested in 200 players. We did some research. Also, every summer we sell all of the players in our squad.”

However, Ten Hag acknowledges United have some work ahead of them to catch Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

“We know we are still below the levels of the expectations around Manchester United – we have to catch up,” he said.

“I’m now going into my fifth window. Two windows were quite OK, the other two we missed. The base of our squad is very good but we have to make improvements.”