Erik ten Hag admits he did not expect Manchester United to climb up the Premier League table as quickly as they have this season.
United ended a demoralising 2021-22 campaign trophyless and in sixth in the league but they are currently third and well poised to qualify for the Champions League through a top four finish.
A probable return to the competition, as well as the end of the club's trophy drought with the League Cup victory last month, would fuel optimism of a championship challenge among supporters next term. Read more: Ten Hag angry over two fouls after Alejandro Garnacho setback United intend to sign a striker in the summer and Ten Hag is eager to recruit a dynamic midfielder.
The United manager stressed investment is essential in a competitive Premier League if United are to make "the next step". "I think we have made good progress but we have to acknowledge there is still a gap," Ten Hag noted. "I couldn't expect we would close that gap that quickly. "But we want to win every game, no matter the opponent.
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