One mission accomplished but job not yet done for Man United boss Erik ten Hag

LONDON – While Manchester United ticked off a major season goal by securing their return to the Champions League next season after a 4-1 Premier League home win over Chelsea on Thursday, manager Erik ten Hag made it clear that his team have unfinished business.

United, who are chasing a domestic Cup double, face rivals and treble-chasers Manchester City in the FA Cup final on June 3 at London’s Wembley Stadium.

“I think (it is) a successful season but the season is not finished,” said ten Hag, whose side will first take on Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday in their final league game.

“Next week is going to be big and we will do everything in our power. We have to get well prepared and give us the best chance to get the FA Cup.”

United captured the League Cup in February amid talk that the team could make a run for three trophies. But inconsistent results meant they were never really in contention for the Premier League, which was wrapped up by City last weekend.

City are now hoping to emulate United’s 1999 treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup titles.

“We’re still not where we want to be but we’re back in the Champions League and I think that was a really important step,” ten Hag added.

“This club belong in the Champions League, but this league is very strong, with many clubs competing for this position.”

Asked about how he would balance Sunday’s finale against Fulham and keeping players healthy for their FA Cup showdown with City, the Dutchman insisted he was not looking past this weekend.

“Still we can be third in the league,” he said, with United on 72 points and two ahead of fourth-placed Newcastle, who have also qualified for the Champions League next season.

“It’s important to keep our focus, not getting injuries as well. But also get a home record. It’s going to be an important game, we want to win that game.”

United are one win away from equalling their record for home victories through all competitions. Their record of 27 was set in 2002-03.

With the crowd behind them on Thursday, United started strongly with Casemiro scoring early in the sixth minute before Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford made it 4-0.

Joao Felix netted a consolation goal for Chelsea just before the final whistle.

“Chelsea have outstanding players but in the counter-attacks we were really good, really dangerous,” said ten Hag.

“We scored four in the end. We should’ve scored more but they could’ve scored as well.”

A positive night for United was, however, blighted by an injury to winger Antony, who was forced off on a stretcher with an ankle problem that will make him a major doubt for the FA Cup final.

Chelsea’s loss summed up their season, which despite having spent over £500 million (S$836 million) in the transfer market, they slumped to an eighth defeat in 10 games since Frank Lampard returned as interim manager.

The club legend called for a “reboot” as the 12th-placed Blues will finish in the bottom half of the table even if they beat Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

“It’s a simple thing to say but any team that win in the Premier League have them (standards) as a base, because without them the tactics do not matter,” Lampard said. “Training well every day, trying to improve, being a real collective unit.

“It’s a bad year for the club, when we’ve had massive success for the last 20 years or whatever.

“The important thing is to get to the bottom of how the club can improve.

“Chelsea need a reboot. The club will move on in the summer in terms of what the squad will look like and, as a Chelsea player, where we want to be.

“Everything has to be improved to get to the level.” REUTERS, AFP