Manchester United in a better position than last year, says Erik ten Hag | Manchester United

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United are in a better position than a year ago despite missing out on Champions League qualification and may not secure any European football next season.

United head into the final day’s trip to Brighton in eighth place and must improve on Newcastle’s result at Brentford to finish seventh and guarantee a place in the Europa Conference League, while beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final next week they would earn a place in the championship. Europa League. It’s a long way from finishing third in the Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford.

Asked if the situation at the club had improved overall compared to 12 months ago, Ten Hag said: “When you look at the results you’d say no, but we know the reasons behind them. I would say yes because we have more players, more high quality players in the squad and from that perspective we are in a better position.”

The impressive form of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo, along with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment and structural changes, have given fans cause for optimism despite a disappointing injury-hit campaign. “I think we’ve developed some young players with high potential who can really contribute to the quality level of our team,” said Ten Hag. “With established, experienced players, they can make a very good mix and be a very strong team that can compete at the highest level. I think that’s what we’ve shown this season against the top teams, that we’re often very competitive.”

Without the prospect of Champions League football, United may find it harder to recruit new players of sufficient caliber in a competitive market to bring them back into the top four. Asked if qualification to Europe’s third-tier competition would be embarrassing for United, Ten Hag replied: “I never think in a negative scenario. We have the opportunity left in our own hands, so go for it.”

A busy summer is expected at Old Trafford, with a number of players available for sale and others set to leave on free transfers. “I think for every player Manchester United is a very attractive club and of course you want to play at the highest levels,” said Ten Hag. “But if you want to enter a project at a club like Manchester United, I’m sure Manchester United is a very attractive club for every player.”