Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said his side had achieved their ‘main goal’ this season of qualifying for the Champions League after the Red Devils beat Chelsea 4-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
United sealed the top four in their penultimate draw of the season after Casemiro opened proceedings from a free kick in just the sixth minute.
Goals from Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes from the spot and Marcus Rashford followed, and while Joao Felix clawed one back for Chelsea with a composed and stylish strike that outsmarted David De Gea, the Blues failed to give the home side a glove to give.
Ten Hag’s side’s European prospects have been threatened in recent weeks by Liverpool’s late emergence, but after being held to a 1-1 draw at Anfield by Aston Villa, United’s victory saw their old foes out of the game. got into battle.
With the Carabao Cup in hand and an FA Cup final yet to be played, Ten Hag claimed this achievement was the highlight of their season.
Ten Hag claims that qualifying for the Champions League has been United’s ‘main goal’ this season
The former Ajax manager could still finish third on the final day of the season
Speak against Sky Sports After the final whistle, Ten Hag said: ‘This club belongs in the Champions League. It’s not easy in the Premier League, so a lot of people are fighting for it. It’s huge when you get it done.’
He later said that his own “high expectations” had been met by his players, who could finish third on the final day of the season.
“I always have high expectations of myself and I think this club belongs in the Champions League, so you have to place in the top four,” said Ten Hag.
But this league is very strong, and there are many teams, many clubs, competing for position and they can do it all because they have high budgets, good squads.
“We see Chelsea, they have a huge, good squad with excellent players.
“So we’re happy to be in the top four. I think we’ve had a good season in the Premier League. I would say a very good season.’
Ten Hag agreed with legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s belief that finishing in the top four is equivalent to winning a trophy.
“I think that’s the main goal of the season, to get into the Champions League.
“So that’s why you have to see yourself in the top four and, as I was just trying to respond, the competition is tough.
“It’s a lot of teams with really good squads, good managers, so when you’re there you’re doing well and your team is playing well and performing well.
“I think this is the maximum for the moment, but we want more.”
The evening is not without dark clouds: after being carried off the field on a stretcher in visible pain, the question remains whether Ten Hag can call on his winger Antony when the team faces Manchester City at Wembley.
The Dutch manager – who worked with the player at Ajax before luring him to Old Trafford last summer – confirmed only that it was a ‘serious’ injury.
United’s loss of a player who has been crucial to Ten Hag’s campaign may have drawn the manager’s attention to the upcoming transfer window.
While the question of who will own United during the period is still shrouded in uncertainty, Ten Hag made it clear that he will have no qualms pushing for transfers which he believes are an integral part of building on the success this season.
“You have to see how you get out of the transfer window,” Ten Hag added.
Antony suffered a painful injury on Thursday and the club will have to wait and see if it ends its season early
Mason Mount (left) and Declan Rice are two of United’s top transfer targets during the period
“But seeing now, I think we need more, so I don’t have that much patience. And that’s one of my mistakes.’
Mail Sport revealed yesterday that the club are in the running for West Ham captain Declan Rice as they look to strengthen their midfield.
United are also regarded as leading the way in signing Mason Mount from Chelsea, who has yet to agree an agreement with his club on a long-promised new contract.
Liverpool and Arsenal are also following the talks closely.