According to Erik ten Hag, Manchester United players cannot be expected to perform at the highest level.

After using injuries as a justification for Manchester United's poor play both this season and last, manager Erik ten Hag appears to be developing a new line of reasoning.

During the pre-game news conference before of United's match against Spurs tomorrow, the manager gave an explanation of how Profit and Sustainability Rules have compelled United to purchase young players who aren't quite ready.

He declared, "Those are the decisions we have made over the past two seasons."

"You can't expect younger players to be at the [top] level; that was our decision."

"We need to identify a squad that can succeed consistently; they need to better themselves and we need to improve them.

"Over the last two years, this crew has demonstrated their ability to be patient. We can win trophies with patience, but we need to improve our consistency.

"Despite the constraints we faced, we performed admirably. Now we need to collaborate with the squad and improve."

When asked if he is aware of the criticism he is receiving, the manager responded:

"I don't read all of the critiques. It's not even feasible, and I don't want to know.

"I need to know some, and some are excellent suggestions. But for me, it's about staying clinical and assessing where the team is and where we need to develop.

Ten Hag was also asked if he had been informed that in order to maintain his job, he needed to make it to the Champions League this season.

"It is never discussed now that you ask me the question, but I believe we must be successful.

"This club's mission is to win trophies; it is what it stands for." Our goal as a club is to win the Champions League and compete on the biggest stage. We can take the Europa League or the Premier League, respectively, one of two ways.

"It's normal, in my opinion, that the players will be evaluated after each game. Everybody anticipates that United will win every game. We are aware of that. Nobody keeps it a secret from them.

"When you are in this club you have to deal with this factor - and we do."

"But we also understand that, with all due respect, young players, a young squad, or a new team take time. I believe we have taken a positive step forward in many elements of football in recent weeks. Now it's about being more efficient and scoring more goals because that's how you win games."

United fans are sick of hearing excuses for the team's lack of success, and their patience will run out if it is claimed that he was forced to acquire players who are not ready to compete, given that United has spent €660 million on transfers during his reign (source: transfermarkt.com), more than any other Premier League team save Chelsea during that time.