Erik ten Hag issues demand over Champions League qualification

Erik ten Hag has always been clear about Manchester United getting back into the Champions League. It’s always been a demand rather than a request for his players to finish top four in the Premier League to qualify for next season’s tournament.

Having taken over at the end of last season with the team in complete disarray, Ten Hag has overseen an impressive turnaround at Old Trafford.

United have already won a trophy – our first in six years – and there’s a chance we could win more this season, with the Reds still competing in the FA Cup and Europa League, but getting back into the Champions League is the main objective for this stage of the process under Ten Hag.

“One thing lets make clear, we have to play Champions League,” Ten Hag told reporters, as per Independent.ie.

“A club like Manchester United has to act in the Champions League, so there’s no misunderstanding.”

The reporters pushed another question on Champions League qualification, but with a more transfer related angle about players becoming more attracted to the club.

He added: “Of course we are more interesting when we are in the Champions League.

“But I want to make my point clear: we have to be in the Champions League.

“We have two paths. One is the Premier League, being in the top four, or win the Europa League, so they are the two paths.”

Ten Hag was quick to reference Casemiro, who joined United without Champions League football, despite winning the competition an incredible five times at Real Madrid. That didn’t stop him wanting to switch Madrid for Manchester and I’m sure it will go down as one of the best decisions in his career.

“I think a very good example is Casemiro,” Ten Had said.

“He won everything, including the Champions League, but he was willing to come to Manchester United.

“Even when we were playing in the Europa League because this club attracts people, it’s very interesting for them and they want to be part of this club.”

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