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Stuart Jamieson

Premier League news as Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag outlines key aims while Calvert-Lewin reveals struggles

Here are the latest Premier League headlines for Tuesday, May 24.

Ten Hag outlines Man United hopes

Erik ten Hag is determined to get Manchester United challenging for titles again but his "first target" next season is Champions League qualification. Having masterminded a third Eredivisie title as manager of Ajax, the 52-year-old swiftly turned his attention to the work at hand at Old Trafford after a wretched season for the Red Devils.

Ten Hag was at Sunday's meek 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace and officially started as manager the following day, when he met all manner of Man United staff and was unveiled to the media. The Dutchman has big plans for the club but accepts it will take time to turn things around, with Champions League qualification the least he is hoping for in his first season.

"I said this is the project to bring Man United back on top, but also we have to accept the current situation we are in," Ten Hag said. "First of all, Man United belong in the Champions League, so that will be the first target."

Man United narrowly avoided falling into the Europa Conference League on the final day, meaning the club will compete in next season's Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

READ MORE: Leeds United 'make Everton demand' to Premier League over finances

"Important (to win silverware)," the Dutchman told club media. "For me, every game is important. We want to win every game and that has to be the attitude from everyone. Players but also staff and all the other ones in the club. Every game is important and we will give our best every game to win and to come forward."

Calvert-Lewin opens up on struggles

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has revealed he "endured some of the most difficult times" of his career and life this season and said "talking saved my life". The England international struggled with injuries in the 2021-22 campaign and his club narrowly avoided Premier League relegation.

He shared the news on social media, urging young people not to suppress emotions. "On a personal note I have had to dig deep within myself at times this season and have endured some of the most difficult times of my career and my life to date," the 25-year-old posted on Instagram. "The love and support helped carry me through.

"One thing I learned this season is that everyone in whatever walk of life is fighting battles you know nothing about, and there is no shame in finding someone to talk to and being open and honest with yourself about how you really feel. To all the young kings suppressing emotion I advise you to talk, to a friend, family member or someone that will listen, talking saved my life.

"It will make you realise things are never as bad as they seem, and you'll discover that the paradox of true strength is being able to face your weaknesses."

Safe standing developments

All clubs in the top two tiers of English football could be allowed to introduce licensed safe standing areas next season.

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said he was minded to change the existing all-seater policy to enable all Premier League and Sky Bet Championship clubs to introduce safe standing sections under strict conditions, following a pilot involving five clubs in the second half of the current campaign. A firm decision is subject to a final independent evaluation of the pilot confirming the findings of an interim report, the minister said.

Huddleston added: "The Government's approach has been driven by safety considerations throughout and this will continue to be our priority. We are not complacent about spectator safety, nor are we complacent about the safety policies that have served spectators well for many years. We will continue to work closely with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, football clubs, the football governing bodies and local authorities to ensure that spectator safety remains paramount."

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