Erik ten Hag admits securing Champions League qualification is ‘important’ for Manchester United ahead of this weekend’s trip to Bournemouth.
United are fourth in the Premier League table, one point ahead of Liverpool in fifth but with a game in hand on their nearest challengers.
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The Red Devils travel to face a Bournemouth side who have already secured their Premier League status for another season. Ten Hag hopes his side can improve on a disappointing away record in 2023 and take another step closer to qualification for the Champions League.
“First of all, it’s important to get in the Champions League,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“I look to the next game against Bournemouth and we have to win that game to get in the Champions League, so the focus is on the game and the games coming up. The first game is the most important.”
Ten Hag was full of praise for Bournemouth, who have exceeded expectations to secure survival with games to spare this season. The Cherries bounced back from a difficult start to the season and Ten Hag hailed Bournemouth as a ‘brilliant club’.
“I think as far as I can see, it’s really a brilliant club,” the Dutchman said.
“They are in the Premier League and three games before the end of the season they are definitely in the Premier League next season as well. It’s massive. You can see clear patterns, so well done.”
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