Erik ten Hag, a Dutchman, is optimistic that Manchester United will make progress after he signed a new contract, emphasizing that being good is not sufficient.

In a bid to raise their standards next season, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted that the team needs to step up their game. Despite signing a new contract at Old Trafford, the extended deal comes after The Red Devils finished in eighth place in the Premier League, their lowest position to date. While they did manage to secure victory in the FA Cup by defeating their bitter rivals Manchester City in the final at Wembley, Ten Hag emphasizes that their performance in the top flight is of utmost importance.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Ten Hag stated, “I said it, and it’s a fact: United didn’t win, for over six years, a trophy. Now we’ve won two, but we are up for more and for higher titles, like the English title and even more, like going into Europe. That’s a process that takes time, and we’ll work on it, but I know with the set-up at the club, with the changes to the structure, and the changes to infrastructure here around Carrington, we will be ready for the future. We will improve.”

The manager is optimistic about the future, citing the new energy and dynamic that the changes have brought to the club. He believes that this will help them achieve their targets. However, Ten Hag emphasizes that in the short-term, their goal remains the same: to win every game and to constantly strive for improvement. He acknowledges that while they have won the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, they have high expectations from themselves and aim to do better.

Manchester United’s disappointing performance last season saw them amass only 60 points in the Premier League, 31 points behind eventual winners Manchester City. Their eighth place finish also meant that they failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. However, the upcoming 2024/25 season marks the beginning of a new era at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag expressed his satisfaction with the strong structure surrounding the first team, stating that it will be instrumental in their progress. He believes that the support they receive in areas such as scouting, recruitment, medical, and performance will raise the bar for the team. With these changes in place, Manchester United is determined to bounce back and reclaim their position among the top contenders in English football.