Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that the 20-time English champions “have to do the right things” in order to be successful, with the Dutchman claiming that ‘money does not work without a plan’.
The Red Devils need just a point from their final two Premier League games of the season against Chelsea and Fulham in order to qualify for the 2023-23 Champions League.
Man United are expected to be big spenders in the upcoming market, with the club looking to bring in a central defender, central midfielder and a centre-forward.
However, there is uncertainty when it comes to the size of the transfer budget due to the ownership situation at Old Trafford, with the Glazers in talks over a sale.
Ten Hag, speaking ahead of Thursday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea, has said that the London club’s struggles should act as a warning, with the Blues spending in excess of £600m in the last two transfer windows but finding it difficult during the 2022-23 campaign.
Frank Lampard’s side are 12th in the Premier League table, picking up just 43 points from their 36 matches, only three points clear of 14th-placed West Ham United.
“You have to do the right things. 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,” Ten Hag told reporters during his press conference on Wednesday.
“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.”
“I think we are in a good direction but also we can also learn from this season. 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.”
Man United would ensure that they secure a top-four spot in the table with a point against Chelsea on Thursday, but they would have another chance against Fulham this weekend if they lose to Lampard’s side.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane is still thought to be Man United’s leading target in the final third of the field, although it remains to be seen whether Spurs chairman Daniel Levy agrees to sell the England captain.
The Red Devils are also bidding to bring in a new central midfielder, with West Ham United’s Declan Rice and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong still thought to be targets.
Meanwhile, a central defender will be requited if Harry Maguire departs in the upcoming market, with Napoli’s Kim Min-jae thought to be the club’s preferred option at the back.
