Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said the Europa League provides ‘more roads’ to silverware and Champions League football for his side.
United begin their European campaign when Ten Hag faces former side FC Twente at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening. The Red Devils are among the pre-tournament favourites for success in the Europa League this season, alongside teams including Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and Real Sociedad.
The change in format to UEFA’s club competitions means there will be no Champions League drop-out sides in this season’s Europa League, providing those in the new-look league phase with a clearer route to success.
Ten Hag has said the Europa League is a realistic target for his team and can offer an alternative route to Champions League qualification.
“An opportunity and more roads to achieve the target you want,” the Dutchman said at his pre-match press conference.
“It is the most difficult [pathway to the Champions League], probably. In a tournament of 32 you have to be the best. It is a target and a road we want to go.
“As you know we want to win all the competitions we take part in, but we have to go game by game.”
Ten Hag confident Manchester United can score goals
United are aiming to bounce back from a frustrating draw at Crystal Palace in the Premier League at the weekend. Despite dominating much of the contest, the Red Devils were unable to find a breakthrough.
Ten Hag’s team have scored just five goals in the league this season and have a goal difference of 0 after five fixtures. However, the 54-year-old has no concerns over his side’s ability to score goals.
“We create a lot of chances last week. We scored seven against Barnsley, we are capable of scoring goals.
“We have to improve and kill more in the box.
“It is most important that you create chances and we create a lot of good moments – we are very creative.
“We have to keep this process going.”
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