Chelsea spending a warning to new Manchester United owners, says Erik ten Hag – ‘You need to have a strategy’

Manchester United must avoid falling into the same trap as Chelsea by ensuring they spend wisely if new owners come in, says manager Erik ten Hag.

The two clubs face off in the penultimate round of the Premier League on Thursday night, with United looking to lock down a top-four finish and the Blues languishing in 12th place.

“You have to do the right things,” said Ten Hag.

“You can have money, but you have to do it and spend it in a smart way and you need to have a strategy behind it – otherwise the money doesn’t work.

“In this moment a centralisation of good players, of the best managers, also the money, is all here in the UK. That makes a great competition but also a tough and a hard competition.

“I think there are many more teams in the Premier League who are really strong.”

Ten Hag’s first season as United boss has been a success; the Dutchman won the League Cup in February, led the club to the FA Cup final and is one point away from securing a return to the Champions League.

“I think we are in a good direction but also we can also learn from this season,” Ten Hag added.

“We have to evaluate that after the season, make the right conclusions for the future and that is what we will definitely do that after the season.”

United conclude their Premier League campaign with the visit of Fulham on Sunday, before facing rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday June 3.