Erik Ten Hag Says Champions League Was An ‘Important Step’ For Man United After Chelsea Win
Erik ten Hag says securing Champions League qualification is an ‘important step’ for Manchester United after his side confirmed their place in next season’s competition.
United’s 4-1 win over Chelsea secured a top four finish in the Premier League and a place among Europe’s elite next season, with the Red Devils returning to the Champions League after an absence this season.
“This club belongs in the Champions League and it’s not so easy in the Premier League. It’s a tough competition, strong, with a lot of teams competing for that. And we made it, so we make a good season.”
United’s top four finish continues an encouraging debut season under Ten Hag, with the club having ended a six-year wait for silverware with League Cup success in February.
Ten Hag’s team will also meet Manchester City in the FA Cup final on June 3 and the Dutchman believes his side are heading ‘in the right direction’.
“I am comfortable here. But I remember after the second game, Brentford, it was tough. But, yeah, I think we construct a team, it’s a good spirit. We work very good in the training pitch and we get results. We are improving and I think we are in the right direction and we know we are still not there where we want to be, but we are back in the Champions League. That was, I think, a really important step. We had to do it because if you want to be successful, you have to be in the Champions League.”
United earned a comfortable victory over Chelsea on Thursday evening, as goals from Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford sealed a 4-1 win
