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Erik ten Hag has claimed that Manchester United are in a better position than where they were 12 months ago, despite running the risk of finishing the season without a trophy or European football.
United travel to Brighton on Sunday needing to better Newcastle’s result at Brentford to qualify for the Europa Conference League.
Should Ten Hag’s side fail to do so they will get a shot at reaching the Europa League if they can beat Manchester City in next weekend’s FA Cup final.
But for Ten Hag, whose future continues to remain up in the air after a disappointing campaign, he is convinced that the development of young players coupled with a change in ownership has United in a stronger place now than a year ago, when they finished third and won the Carabao Cup.
‘When you look at the results you would say no but we know the reasons behind (that),’ he said.
‘I would say yes, as you say. We have more high quality players in the squad so yeah we are in a better position.
‘We developed some young players with high potential who can really add to the quality levels of our squad. I would say with established, experienced players they can make a very good mix that can be a very strong squad that can compete at the highest levels.’
It was put to Ten Hag that failure to get into the Champions League, or Europe entirely, will significantly limit United’s ability to sign the best players.
Ten Hag did not agree.
‘I think for every player Manchester United is a very attractive club,’ he added.
‘Of course you want to play at the highest levels but if you want to go into a project in a club like Manchester United, I’m sure Manchester United is a very attractive club for every player.’