Erik ten Hag has declared that it's a "must" for Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League during his first season in charge.
The new Red Devils boss will likely battle in the Europa League over his maiden campaign, with interim manager Ralf Rangnick guiding United to their worst points return in Premier League history before his final match on Sunday against Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Ten Hag's now former club, Ajax, will continue to compete in Europe's premier competition after he led them to their third Eredivisie title in four completed seasons.
The Dutchman tactician has expressed his regret at no longer being involved in Champions League nights, telling Ajax's media channels in his farewell interview: "On those nights, I'll be an Ajax fan and root for them. I would've liked to be active myself, but sadly that's not the case."
Ten Hag sees a top-four finish as an obligation, despite Rangnick's side slumping to sixth or even seventh in the Premier League this term. "That's a must," the 51-year-old affirmed. "The goal is to make Manchester United Europe-proof again, like we did with Ajax, reaching the Champions League with Manchester United is a prerequisite."
Thankfully for Ten Hag, he'll boast the king of the Champions League in his squad: Cristiano Ronaldo. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner looks set to stay with the Red Devils for another season, having hit 24 goals in 38 games throughout his comeback campaign. "He is a true winner and a magnificent player," Ten Hag added. "I can't wait to work with him."
The feeling is mutual, too, as Ronaldo told manutd.com after winning the Premier League's Player of the Month award for April: "I know that he has done a fantastic job at Ajax, and that he is an experienced coach, but we have to give him time. Things must change the way he wants.
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"If he does well, all of Manchester United will be successful, so I wish him well. We are all happy and excited [about his arrival], not only as players, but as fans as well. We have to believe that next year we can win titles."
Ten Hag has described his challenge at United as a difficult one, but also beautiful. "There is something to build at United and something to gain," the ex- Utrecht and Bayern Munich reserves boss explained to Voetbal International. "Manchester United is such a big name in football history. It feels like a challenge to put the club back on track of winning.
"Old Trafford is nicknamed the Theatre of Dreams for a reason. It is a club with name, fame and allure in international football. Everyone knows the history of the beautiful teams. From Sir Alex Ferguson of course, but also further back in time. The great team of the late fifties, which suddenly disappeared with the plane crash.
"The history is impressive, but I also started to delve into the present and the future. And the options that are available. They are there, also financially. If you also get a good feeling about the people there, then the picture is right and then the factors are present to take this step."
