Manchester United are now in the top four of the Premier League, and Erik ten Hag has said that qualifying for the Champions League this season is important for his rebuilding strategy.
Erik ten Hag suggests Manchester United is benefiting from Champions League transfers
The manager also mentioned how next year’s missions will benefit from better match scheduling, which is good news for fans anticipating a title defense. The Premier League’s Thursday-Sunday schedule often proves challenging for the Europa League and Conference League teams.
This season, United has played only five games on Saturdays. The club’s earnings took a major hit due to scheduling conflicts and the fact that it did not qualify for the Champions League this season.
All players had their salary reduced by 25 per cent as part of a pre-agreement while United’s pulling power was hampered, although not tainted according to Ten Hag. He hinted that there is now “more interest” in the club with a top-four finish a likelihood.
“Now it looks like we are in the Champions League, there is even more interest because they know we are in the Champions League and the Premier League at a high level. So, qualification will be important.”
United have had two seasons in which they did not qualify for the Champions League in the last five, and they have not advanced past the Round of 16 in the tournament since the 2018–19 season. Ten Hag explained why the club’s participation is crucial.
“Being in the Champions League is crucial for the revival of this club. The players are aware of how important it is to win the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League.
This is the definition of top football: fighting for every position, every yard, every clash on the field.
