Man Utd board lifted transfer cap for Ten Hag after Solskjaer sacking

20 September 2023 , 12:00

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Man Utd axed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November 2021 (Image: Getty Images)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits there was a "cap" on the signings he could make as Manchester United boss - but that no longer exists for Erik ten Hag.

The Norwegian was in charge for the best part of three years at Old Trafford before his dismissal in 2021, bringing in the likes of Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho during his time in charge. They were among the players he spent the most on, but Solskjaer concedes he was somewhat handcuffed.

Whilst United made big signings, spending notable sums, there were restrictions on how much Solskjaer could spend. He revealed it was made clear to him upon taking the job that there would be no bottomless pit of cash, instead his marquee arrivals would be limited per season.

He told the Athletic: "I can’t remember every signing I made, but I should because there was a cap on three main ones every season." That method looks to have been canned by those at Old Trafford with changes taking place on and off the pitch, although Solskjaer was certainly backed.

Of United's ten most expensive signings, three were made under Solskjaer, but already four have come during Ten Hag's reign. The Dutchman has been allowed to spend close to £200m in each of the summers he's been at the helm - something Solskjaer isn't blind to, albeit he accepted that restriction placed upon him. "I signed up for it when I arrived. I understood my remit and agreed to it," he added.

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"I can’t complain now and I’m not the type to moan after losing my job, but United have spent a lot more in the two summer transfer windows since I was there."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bought in the likes of Jadon Sancho (Getty Images)

Ten Hag went close to shattering the club's record transfer when he bought in Antony from Ajax just over 12 months ago. In the same summer more than £50m was spent on both Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro. Recently the United boss has added Mason Mount and Andre Onana.

Rasmus Hojlund, a player tipped for big things despite his lack of top level exposure, could end up costing the club £72m following his move from Atalanta. United are looking to close the gap on the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, which means spending similar sums in the market.

Solskjaer, a former player and treble winner at Old Trafford, is not self indulgent about what he did or didn't get, instead backing United's plan to remain competitive. He said: "It’s not about me or how much I got every summer, but how much money the club wanted to spend. I want United to be on top again, to beat City and Liverpool."

Samuel Meade