Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League this season but after winning the FA Cup, Erik ten Hag is emboldened and believes they can be in the top four battle next term
Erik ten Hag has vowed that three new signings will transform Manchester United into top-four contenders – if he can also find a cure to the injury problems that wrecked the last Premier League campaign.
Ten Hag insists he was already talking to his Old Trafford bosses about his plans for next season before last week’s FA Cup Final miracle gave the Dutchman the chance of saving his job. And he has tipped United to be once again challenging at the top of the table if he can add a striker, centre-back and midfielder to his ranks – and he can keep his players healthy.
Ten Hag said: “We need to get a striker in to work alongside Rasmus Hojlund. I also hope we manage to get another central midfielder and also a replacement for Varane.
“Then I think things will look very good for next season – with the caveat that the players are fit and stay fit. Then you can start playing towards the top four with such an eleven. That gives me hope and is also realistic in my eyes.
“The plan last year was clear: we buy a striker and get a goalkeeper who is able to shape the football from behind, and an extra midfielder. That was the approach and in theory we would then be stronger and be able to take the next step.
“But practice turned out to be completely different. That has mainly to do with all the injuries, especially in defence. We have had injuries all over the squad. That, in a nutshell, was what the core of this season was. I had a very clear idea of the direction we needed to go (last year), but because of all these injuries, and some other off-field issues, you never get that done.”
United finished eighth in the Premier League after suffering 14 defeats in their 38 games – and also came bottom of their Champions League group.
But Ten Hag rescued the Reds’ season by delivering a huge shock to defeat Manchester City at Wembley last weekend and deliver Europa League qualification. Now the Dutchman must wait for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s review of the campaign will allow him to serve the final 12 months of his three-year contract.
But Ten Hag said: “I believe that the new owners want to change everything – but build with me. At least that is what they say directly to me and what they express.
“Despite all the hustle and bustle, every day I focus completely on the team, to make it play football as well as possible. I do notice that certain processes are in place. With people within the organisation, but also in terms of the environment.
“Our Carrington training complex is going to be completely demolished, a whole new complex is going to come in its place. They are tackling all sorts of things, starting with the infrastructure.
“When I came here, it was already unsettled. The club was in a transition phase. Now, with the change of ownership, everything is really upside down.
“This does not have to be a bad thing for the club, as all intentions will undoubtedly be good. The future will tell.”
Bayern Munich were monitoring Ten Hag’s situation at Old Trafford before making Vincent Kompany their new coach, while his former club Ajax also lodged an interest in taking the Dutchman back to Amsterdam. But Ten Hag insists his commitment to United has never wavered.
In an interview with V.I. he said: “Maybe they think I will be fired and then I will be available. I never gave it even a second thought myself. Nor have I ever wanted to, because my focus is completely on Manchester United.
“Several clubs have inquired in recent times, but that does not have my attention. I went to Manchester United with a goal to make something of it here, and I still have that feeling.
“I went to Manchester United with an aim to make something of it here – and I still have that feeling. To put the club where it belongs. I’m working very hard at that every day.”
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