sport news Erik ten Hag warns Man United could go backwards like Chelsea if takeover money ... trends now 'You have to spend it in a smart way': Erik ten Hag warns Man United could go BACKWARDS like Chelsea if the money from their takeover isn't spent well, as he refuses to rule out a move for Neymar Erik ten Hag has warned Man United could go backwards like Chelsea have done That's if the club does not spend the money from their takeover in a 'smart way' Chelsea take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday evening By Chris Wheeler for the Daily Mail Published: 22:30 BST, 24 May 2023 | Updated: 23:49 BST, 24 May 2023 14 shares 17 Viewcomments Erik ten Hag has warned that Manchester United could go backwards like Chelsea if the money from a takeover isn't spent in 'a smart way'. Ten Hag has been promised more spending power once the Glazer family decide whether to sell to Sir Jim Ratcliffe or Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani. However, Chelsea have struggled since a consortium led by Todd Boehly bought out Roman Abramovich for £4.25billion, despite blowing almost £600million on new players. The Londoners lie in 12th place going into their clash with United at Old Trafford tonight (thurs) when Ten Hag's side hope to secure Champions League qualification. Asked if Chelsea are an example of how a takeover can cause difficulties, Ten Hag replied: 'Absolutely, yes. When there is no strategy behind it, or the right strategy, money doesn't work. Erik ten Hag has warned that Manchester United could go backwards like Chelsea if they do not 'spend smart' Todd Boehly's time in charge with the Blues has been a tough one with his side falling to 12th in the Premier League standings even after spending £600million on players His side succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad earlier this week '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. That makes a great competition, but also a tough and a hard competition. 'You have to do the right things. You can have money but you have to spend it in a smart way. Also, you need a strategy behind it because, otherwise, the money doesn't work.' United need one point from their remaining games at home to Chelsea and Fulham to finish in the top-four ahead of Liverpool before taking on Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Ten Hag has already lifted the Carabao Cup in his first season and believes United are heading in the right direction. But he warned that the club have to make the right decisions over new players in the summer to stay on an upward curve with many of their rivals set to strengthen too. 'I think we are in a good direction but also we can learn from this season,' he added. 'We have to evaluate that after the season and make the right conclusions for the future, and that is what we will definitely do. 'In this moment we know, say, the balance in the league but over the summer things can change. 'We want to compete with the best and be in the Champions League. In the Premier League, you have to be one of the first four, that's not easy. Many are competing for it, many think they should be in and we are one of them. 'First, we have to win the game on Thursday and get the job done. We are in a project. We've won one trophy but we want more. And the Man United boss is hoping his side do not go the same way, with the Red Devils also on the verge of a takeover While it remains to be seen who will win the race to become the new owner at Man United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently moved up the Sunday Times Rich List table to second place Ten Hag admitted his side were 'still on a journey' after they have turned things around this season to win the Carabao Cup and have a chance of winning the FA Cup too The Man United boss also refused to rule out a move for Neymar Jnr after reports linked him to the club this week 'We are still on a journey. We think we are in the right direction but it can always be better because good is not good enough.' Ten Hag mischievously refused to rule out a move for Neymar following reports in France linking the Paris Saint-Germain star with United. 'When we have news, we will tell you,' smiled the Dutchman. He was also reluctant to be drawn on suggestions that Manchester City's title success has been tainted by 115 charges of breaking Premier League financial rules. 'It is not about me in this moment or any moment to discuss that or make a judgement,' said Ten Hag. 'It is an investigation so let them do their work and we will find out.' Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility