Manchester United secured Champions League qualification last night with a 4-1 win over Chelsea.
Erik ten Hag has now achieved a top-four finish, the Carabao Cup trophy and the prospect of another piece of silverware looms, with the FA Cup final just eight days away. All in his first season as United manager.
There have been highs and lows throughout the campaign but ultimately, it’s been a resounding positive and it’s only looking more optimistic heading into next term – that’s if he’s properly backed in the summer transfer window, of course.
The resurgence at Old Trafford is only just getting started and booking a spot among Europe’s elite was absolutely crucial, as European nights at the Theatre of Dreams are like no other.
Ten Hag reacts to CL qualification
Post-match, the manager reacted to his side getting the job done with a comfortable and dominant win. He said (via the Man Utd website): “It’s really important [to finish in the top four]. 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.
“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.
“It’s important, Sunday, we still can be third in the league. It’s important to keep [our] focus [and] not get injuries as well. So it gives us good goals for Sunday. But also get a [new] home record, in the history [of United], we can get that. So it’s going to be an important game. We want to win that game.”
