united: Erik Ten Hag says Chelsea struggles are a warning as Manchester United’s takeover drags on

Erik ten Hag says Chelsea’s struggles are a stark warning of how difficult life can be after a change of ownership as Manchester United’s takeover process continues.

As the Glazers continue to consider a full or partial sale of United, Chelsea visit Old Trafford on Thursday limping to end a disappointing campaign under their new regime.

The London club have spent around £600 million ($740 million) since a group led by Todd Boehly bought the club last year but are 12th in the Premier League under interim Frank Lampard, their third manager of the season.

Chelsea have been criticized for a scattergun approach in the transfer market and United boss Ten Hag said their experience has shown that money is not the answer if it is spent incorrectly.

“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 have to have a strategy behind it, if the money doesn’t work,” said the Dutchman on the eve of the fight against Chelsea.

United have been enjoying themselves in recent years but have failed to win the Premier League since 2013.

Despite a positive season, in which United have won the League Cup and will meet Manchester City in the FA Cup final, there is uncertainty about the club’s future. The US-based Glazer family, who bought United in 2005, announced in November that they were considering selling the club while “exploring strategic options”.

Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe are the main contenders to buy the Premier League giants.

But despite the situation, Ten Hag believes that United, whose point against Chelsea would ensure a top four finish, is moving in the right direction.

“We have to consider, after the season, to make the right conclusions for the future and that is what we will definitely do after the season,” he said.