The Dutchman had to make do with three loan signings in the January transfer window as the Reds cut their cloth after a £225m spend in the summer.
But the rest of the league splashed record sums, led once again by Chelsea, and the finance involved has transformed the picture, even in the six months Ten Hag has spent in England.
After several years of intense competition between City and Liverpool, the table has a different look this season, with Arsenal top and Newcastle in the top four.
The Reds are within seven points of the Gunners, but Ten Hag knows his squad still needs more investment, particularly when it comes to improving the depth available to him.
“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,” he said. “We have certain positions we have a lack of quality and that can’t be, if you want to compete for the highest.”
United are still better off than many expected when Ten Hag’s first season began, especially when the first two games saw calamitous defeats to Brighton and Brentford.
Denne historien er fra February 12, 2023-utgaven av MEN on Sunday.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 12, 2023-utgaven av MEN on Sunday.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
We are fragile but we cannot overreact-Pep
PEP Guardiola says that City cannot afford to overreact to their worst ever run under his management as they look to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
IT’S TOO EASY TO SCORE AGAINST US’
PEP Guardiola says City have multiple problems as opponents find it too easy to score against them.
Spurs man on the hole’ in City middle
JAMES Maddison has explained that he was able to exploit the lack of presence in City's midfield to score a goal that he has been working on all season.
Rubet! Amorim up for United challenge
RUBEN Amorim is relishing the 'huge responsibility' of taking United back to the top as the new head coach prepares to take charge for the first time at Ipswich.
'Ruthless' Ruben won't be all smiles as he gears up for first game at helm
\"I CAN be ruthless when I have to be,\" said Ruben Amorim on Friday afternoon.
Teenage star Chido on target once again
CHIDO Obi-Martin was again among the goals as United's Under-18s continued their stunning form and a new star emerged.
Tourist traps top visitor spend table
SEPARATED by the Pennines and nearly 100 miles, the historic city of York and the seaside resort of Blackpool are worlds apart in their appeal to tourists.
Wind farm expansion plan set to create new turbulence
Proposals would create biggest turbine development in England
Rail services may take 'three years to improve'
THE largest rail company in the North of England has warned that it will take up to three years before its services are up to scratch.
Thug forced kids to help in drug deals
A MAN who used 'vulnerable' children to help him deal drugs has been jailed.
