"We have a lack of quality": Ten Hag sends clear message to prospective Man United owners about finance

“We want to restore Manchester United, we need top players but also double (in) the position because we want to act in so many leagues, so many competitions,” Ten Hag said.

“We have certain positions we have a lack of quality and that can’t be, if you want to compete for the highest.”

“I think they (Liverpool) will fight back, they will come back, but also what you see is the dynamic that other clubs are also investing financially but also they have quality in managers, players, getting good players in.

“So the competition is really tough which is good for the Premier League. For a long time I think it was always a two-horse race but now I think it’s a six, seven, eight-horse race and it’s about strategy but also, of course, about finance.”

The Dutchman had to make do with three loan signings in the January transfer window as United cut their cloth after a £225million spend in the summer.

United are within seven points of Arsenal, but Ten Hag knows his squad still needs more investment.