Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag admits last summer's spending was affected by Financial Fair Play concerns.
Ten Hag concedes he was forced to compromise on his shopping wishlist.
He recalled: "When we were in the summer, I think we had very good momentum. We finished third, we won a final and were in another final.
"Then we chose to bring in young players for the future - and that had to do with FFP.
"That was the choice we made - but then you know that it will take longer before you can enter the competition for the top positions in the Premier League or the Champions League."