Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United can remain immune from the financial threat posed by the Premier League's state-owned clubs by ensuring they have a strategic advantage.
United travel to St James' Park on Sunday to take on a Newcastle side trying to break into the top four in their first full season under the ownership of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).
They have spent around £210million on players in two transfers window since taking control of Newcastle, but earning a Champions League spot ahead of schedule could accelerate their plans to gate-crash the elite.
