Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United must be playing Champions League football next season, saying there can be “no misunderstanding” about their need to return to Europe’s premier club football competition.

The former Ajax manager ended a six-year trophy drought at United with the League Cup. Currently, they are third in the Premier League. “One thing let’s make clear, we have to play Champions League football. A club like Manchester United has to act in the Champions League, so there’s no misunderstanding. We have two paths. One is the Premier League, being in the top four, or to win the Europa League,” he said.