Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says a bottomless pit of money won't improve them unless they get their transfer strategy right.

Ten Hag was considering the prospect of having Qatari Sheikh Jassim buying the club in the near future.

"Money is one thing, but another thing is strategy," he said. "When I was at Ajax we had a low budget in comparison to many clubs in the Champions League and still we won the groups, we came in semi-final and were close to the final. So it's possible to beat team with higher budgets.

"From my analysis, we are going in the direction. I think we are building a base this season but we have to progress. You can do that by developing the team.

"You have to play better in every game and in every training (session) you can develop your way of playing and that's what we are doing.

"We are setting higher demands and standards for our players every time and for the rest in the summer we will see. Just now that's not our focus point. Just now it's a better way of play so we have a better chance of winning games."

Ten Hag also said: "Let's make clear one, thing, we have to play in the Champions League. We're Manchester United and have to be in it, there can be no misunderstanding.

"Of course we are more interested in being in the Champions League, but even when we're not we are still attractive for the top players. I noticed that last year," said Ten Hag.

"Casemiro is a very good example. He has won everything, including the Champions League, but he was willing to come to Manchester United.

"Even when we were playing in the Europa League because this club attracts big people. It is very interesting for them and they want to be part of this club.

"But I want to make the point clear that we have to be in. There are two ways to do it. One is in the Premier League and finishing in the top four or there is winning the Europa League. Those are the two chances."