"Need to be fighting for titles and playing in the Champions League" - Manuel Ugarte shares Manchester United's 'objectives' ahead of Tottenham clash

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has shared the club's objectives ahead of the Red Devils' Carabao Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday (December 19). The Uruguay international says the club are prepared to challenge for trophies and will be looking to get back to competing in the UEFA Champions League.

As far as Europe's highest club competition is concerned, the Manchester outfit aren't among the sides participating this term after their eighth-place league finish last season. They still have plenty of work to do if they are to challenge for the Champions League spots this year as well.

At the moment, Ruben Amorim and Co., are 13th in the Premier League standings, six points behind the top four. Speaking about the club's goals, Ugarte told journalist Andy Mitten (via @UtdDistrict):

“There’s a good feeling in the dressing room. It’s a new project with a new coach and it’s very important for us to know what he wants, but it’s obvious that #mufc need to be fighting for titles and playing in the Champions League and not be where we are.

"That’s our objective but we have to get there step by step, little by little, game by game. You saw today [vs Man City] what this team can do. We have confidence but also humility. We are United.”

Manchester United should be in good spirits for their match against Spurs after managing to defeat Manchester City 2-1 on Sunday (December 15). The Red Devils scored twice in the final three minutes of the match, coming from behind to win the game.

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Ruben Amorim urges Marcus Rashford to prove himself at Manchester United

Marcus Rashford

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford created quite a stir on social media after he said in an interview with English journalist Henry Winter that he was ready for a new challenge. This came after the England international was left out of the matchday squad for the Manchester derby.

Although he seems to be out of favor at the moment, head coach Ruben Amorim has urged the attacker to remain at Old Trafford. Speaking about the forward, he said (via The Guardian):

"Of course, because this kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus."

Rashford came up the ranks at Manchester United and has gone on to make 426 senior appearances across competitions, bagging 138 goals and 63 assists. He's contracted with the Red Devils till the summer of 2028.