Erik ten Hag's transfer comments show Manchester United may have finally learned their lesson

Erik ten Hag knew he had plenty on his plate as he became the latest man to attempt to turn around Manchester United's fortunes.

The Dutchman took over a side devoid of any confidence and one that had been pilloried for allowing last term to peter out.

Questions were asked after he lost his first two games but since then he has won five of seven matches, including four on the bounce in the Premier League. Whilst results are obviously needed in the short-term, the appointment of Ten Hag has always had the feel of being with the long-term very much in mind.

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And one area where he will hope the club drastically improve is on the transfer front. It has been well-publicised in the past that United have spent hundreds of millions of pounds with very few success stories over the last few years.

Gary Neville, one of the most critical pundits when it comes to his former clubs, has regularly chastised this aspect of the club's running.

Earlier this season, the defender-turned-prominent Sky Sports pundit said: "United in the past have always answered the fans' anger through money and spending in the transfer market. The problem is that now, no one wants to take their money. That's a massive issue. They can't spend the money."

Those comments were made following a chastising 4-0 thumping by Brentford. Since then Ten Hag brought three further signings to the club.

Of the six summer signings made by the new man, four started their last game against Arsenal and have all looked canny additions. Ten Hag admits though that the club cannot merely follow their previous tactic of throwing money at signings - instead he wants to squeeze every drop out of the squad at his disposal.

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