Erik ten Hag warns new Man United owners not to copy Chelsea after takeover

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has stressed the importance of a transfer strategy after their takeover is completed. The Red Devils could be set for new ownership this summer, with Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe the leading candidates.

Summer transfer funds may therefore be boosted should a takeover be completed in time, a situation Chelsea had last summer.

They have spent close to £600million on new signings since the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership arrived, but sit 12th in the Premier League.

Ahead of United's clash against the Blues, which is live on talkSPORT, Ten Hag was asked if Chelsea's situation proves that funds should be spent wisely following a takeover.

He replied: "Absolutely yeah and in this moment, let’s say there is a centralisation of good players, of the best managers, also of the money, it is all here in the UK.

"And that makes a great competition, but also a tough and a hard competition.

"And you have to do the right things and you can have money but you have to do it and spend it in a smart way and also you need a strategy behind it, because, otherwise, the money doesn’t work.

“When there is no strategy behind, or [not] the right strategy, money doesn’t work.”

United are closing in on what could be the end of a hugely impressive first season under Ten Hag.

They have already won the Carabao Cup and reached the FA Cup final, and a point against Chelsea would secure Champions League football.

Tottenham striker Harry Kane has already been linked with a move this summer, with Mason Mount also being a target.