Manchester United are back where they belong, according to manager Erik ten Hag, but the Dutchman believes they need to strengthen this summer to make the progress he demands.
United’s 4-1 win against Chelsea at Old Trafford secured a top-four spot with a game to spare, having missed out on Champions League football last campaign.
Ten Hag agrees with Arsene Wenger’s old assessment that claiming a place in Europe’s elite club competition is the equivalent of winning a trophy.
However, he is not one to rest on his laurels and is already looking to the transfer window as he tries to close the gap on FA Cup final opponents and Premier League champions Manchester City.
“This club belongs in the Champions League,” Ten Hag said.
“Finishing in the top four was the main objective. The competition is tough, there are many teams with really good squads, good managers and high budgets.
“For this moment it is the maximum but we want more and I don’t have a lot of patience. Standards have to go up. Manchester City are playing outstanding football but we have a way to go.”
Former United defender Gary Neville says “investment is needed” for the club to progress any higher and Ten Hag has a similar opinion, adding: “In the summer we can work with the squad we have but we need to strengthen.”