Ralf Rangnick believes that the highest possible position Manchester United can finish in the Premier League this season is fourth.
United's interim boss has had a difficult start to life at Old Trafford, winning just five of 10 league games, whilst also witnessing United be eliminated in the FA Cup at home to Championship side Middlesbrough.
The Red Devils are still in the current Champions League, but Rangnick has admitted it's imperative that they qualify for next season's competition, something that looks unlikely unless they improve their form.
"Right now, this is exactly what Manchester United needs and wants: to finish fourth in the league. I think this is the highest possible achievement we can get (domestically)," he said, whilst speaking in his pre-match press conference for United's clash with Brighton, as cited by our colleagues at the Manchester Evening News.
"The Champions League, hopefully to proceed into the next round of the Champions League, is not an easy one. In the league, it's number four, that's our ambition, what we have to achieve and what we're aiming at.
"Next season, after being here now for 10 or 11 weeks, of course, I know what it takes for next season but it's not the time now to discuss this with anyone, my full focus is on tomorrow, then Sunday, Wednesday and the next couple of weeks.
"My full focus is on the current squad, getting the best out of this season and then, after that, it's time to speak about the next steps for next season and the next couple of years."
United currently occupy fifth position in the league on 40 points, one point behind fourth placed West Ham having played a game less.
However, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have two games in hand on the Red Devils, and will take control of the race if they win those matches in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Tottenham, who have also played just 22 games to United's 24, can also climb above them by winning their remaining matches.
