Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has sent out a subtle warning to all Premier League clubs, particularly the other five teams part of the traditional so called 'big six'. Liverpool, Man City, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea have all likely enjoyed United's recent shortcomings, but that trend could soon come to an end.
Last month it was confirmed the Glazer family, who own Manchester United, were considering intentions to examine potential sources of outside investment which could see the club sold. In a club statement United also announced their plans to explore strategic alternatives which could see benefits on the pitch and off it.
Since Ten Hag's arrival from Ajax, there have been clear improvements made at the club with United sat fifth, three points behind Spurs in fourth. The Red Devils also progressed to the next round of the Europa League, although they are set to face Barcelona in the competition's knockout play-off round.
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The controversies surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo were likely only a hindrance on Ten Hag but following the mutual termination of his contract, the 52-year-old looks set to be without any major distractions for the rest of the 2022/23 season. Away from the pitch there are still several factors unclear about the club's ownership, but Ten Hag has been reassured by United chief executive Richard Arnold that a potential change of ownership will benefit the club.
Ten Hag said: "There will be more investment possible which is good. We spoke about the culture we want, we spoke about objectives, goals and the culture and he confirmed it won’t change.
"It will be even better because more money will become available for this project."
Ten Hag also revealed all the clubs he believes his team are competing with in the Premier League which included name-dropping Newcastle and West Ham. Alongside those two surprise shouts, Ten Hag also reeled off Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool as threats, but not Arsenal.
"Newcastle are coming, even West Ham, maybe not now in the table but they have huge investment," he said.
"Spurs definitely and I don’t need to talk about [Manchester] City and Liverpool or Chelsea. You can quickly count seven or eight clubs that can compete in this league."
Perhaps Ten Hag is alluding to his opinion that Mikel Arteta's side are currently in a league of their own after entering the World Cup break with a five-point lead at the top of the table.
However, with domestic football having not taken place for a number of weeks, it could have just been a momentary lapse from Ten Hag over the current standings. It may not be seen that way by those in north London though especially as the Gunners have only lost once in the league this season which was against Ten Hag's side.
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