Man United victory could spark Rangers transfer spree – Kris Boyd
Rangers could have the money to sign a couple of new players if they beat Manchester United to reach the Europa League last 16, Kris Boyd has said.
Speaking on Sky Sports News (22 January, 10:25am), Boyd discussed the financial payoffs if both the Gers and Celtic book their places in the next rounds of their respective European competitions this week.
The Light Blues head south to face an out-of-form United side at Old Trafford on Thursday (23 January), and Boyd urged Philippe Clement to make the most of a potential victory, and qualification, in the transfer market.
He said: “You would imagine the Celtic will beat Young Boys tonight, and that gives them more money to go and strengthen – one thing that Brendan Rodgers and Celtic have done really well.
“You look at it now, Rangers – if they can guarantee that they’re going to get in the next round by finishing in that next eight, rather than through a playoff game – then you know exactly what type of money you’ve got coming in.
“They might be able to go and spend that and get a couple of players in, that allows them maybe to kick on [in] the second part of the season.”
Rangers need to make most of European form v Man United
While the Bears have been frustratingly inconsistent domestically so far this term – and still coming within one penalty of a Scottish League Cup Final win – their European form has been a different story.
Sat eighth of the 32 teams in the league phase of the Europa League after six matches, sandwiched between the Red Devils and Tottenham, Clement’s side are well-placed to book their place in the last 16.
Beating United at Old Trafford on Thursday could see the Gers climb to as high as third in the overall table if other results go their way, sealing their place in the top eight in the process to avoid a play-off.
Clement’s side fell at the first hurdle when it came to reaching the Champions League qualifying play-off back in August, and the Belgian will be keen to ensure his side don’t repeat their early-season mistakes.
Booking a direct route to the round of 16, and the windfall which comes with it, could set the Gers up for the rest of their season, and given their form on the continent, don’t be surprised to see them do it.
In other Rangers news, David Edgar reacted as an Ibrox academy product finally sealed a permanent exit away from the club.
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