Ten Hag: Man Utd takeover would be 'a good thing'

Manchester United sold by the Glazer family would be positive for the club, according to manager Erik ten Hag.

The Glazers, owners of United since 2005, announced last month that they were ready to sell the club as they planned to "explore strategic alternatives".

There has been increasing pressure on the Glazers in recent years, with protests common from fans as frustration grew with the way the club operates.

As United look to compete with the financial might of Manchester City, as well as the new Saudi owners of Newcastle United, Ten Hag believes a new investment at Old Trafford would be great news for the club.

"There will be more investment opportunities, which is good," Ten Hag said.

"We [Ten Hag and CEO Richard Arnold] talked about the culture we want, we talked about the objectives, the goals and the culture and he confirmed that it will not change.

"It will be even better because more money will be available for this project."

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group confirmed they were seeking new investment in November, while Chelsea were taken over by American businessman Todd Boehly earlier this year.

Ten Hag believes there is a need to boost United's financial capabilities as they seek to return to the top of English football, having won just three major trophies since legendary manager Alex Ferguson took over. retired in 2013.

"There is a change in circumstances when you compare [the Premier League] with five or 10 years ago," added Ten Hag.

"Newcastle is coming, even West Ham, maybe not in the table now, but they have huge investments. Tottenham definitely and I don't need to talk about City and Liverpool or Chelsea.

"You can quickly count seven or eight clubs that can compete in this league.

"It's also about strategy, not just money. But it's clear that if you don't have the right players and quality players, you won't be successful and you won't achieve the goals that you have set yourselves."

After a rocky start to their career as United manager since joining from Ajax, Ten Hag's men enjoyed an improvement in form as they entered the World Cup break in the fifth space.

United will resume their season against Burnley in the EFL Cup on December 21, before returning to the Premier League against Nottingham Forest the following week.

They will be without superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo, whose explosive interview with Piers Morgan led to the mutual termination of his contract with the club at the end of November.