Manchester United booked their place back into the Champions League after a 2-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.
It was the Premier League season finale and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men kept going until the very end. Next season they will be looking to go a step beyond and challenge for the title.
Watching Liverpool lift it this season should give the United adamant about that, even if they had to ‘celebrate’ doing so in an empty stadium.
Solskjaer’s side had their blips this season and had an uphill climb to land a top-four finish. At one stage it looked like Leicester City had one of the four places in the bag.
That culminated with a 2-0 win against the Foxes yesterday, a winner-takes-all contest. Chelsea beating Wolves meant Frank Lampard got the Blues back into the Champions League in his first full season, like Solskjaer but not as good.
Rio Ferdinand has selected two players deserving of individual praise for their impact this season as United qualified for the Champions League.
“Well done Ole and the Manchester United team for qualifying for [the] Champions League,” Ferdinand wrote on Facebook.
“It didn’t look like it was on the cards at a point earlier in the season but the boys pulled through.
“Bruno Fernandes being the inspiration was huge (how many goal involvements), recruitment bang on with him. Is there room for improvement? Obviously yes there is and recruitment in this window will be key.
Well done Ole and the Manchester United team for qualifying for CL.. it didn’t look like it was on the cards at a point…
Posted by Rio Ferdinand on Monday, 27 July 2020
“That attacking flair, pace and excitement seems to be back now and long may it continue. Special mention for Mason Greenwood too.
“His attitude has been first class coming into [the] Manchester United first team and locking down a regular spot at his age, never mind the amount fo goals he has scored too (comparison to Rooney at the same age).
“Next season closing the gap on the teams above them has to be the target and to get a level of consistency needed to compete in the Premier League. Oh, and a cup would be nice too!
“Getting the right place in with the right attitude to compliment the squad is essential. Quality, hungry, respectful, dedicated just a few [of the] traits needed in this window of recruitment.”
Read more: Manchester United preparing new bid for Jadon Sancho after Dortmund reject £89m offer
