“We have to strengthen in key positions” - Erik ten Hag explains why Manchester United can’t compete for the title next season

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has claimed that his team cannot compete for the Premier League next season. The Dutch tactician has been widely tipped to lose his job in the summer and this statement could be a message to the shot-callers at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have been far from competitive in the Premier League since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. The common expectation is that Manchester United challenge for the title but it has been a long time since that was the case.

Ten Hag was brought in to change that but the Dutchman's comments could be seen as him admitting the team needs more investment to reach such levels. As per transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Ten Hag said:

“When everyone is available, we're competing for top four. We can come closer [to position #1/2] if we make a good transfer window. We have to strengthen in key positions and also in the depth of the squad.”

Manchester United's new part owners, the INEOS group have a decision to make in the summer. Ten Hag's side secured the Carabao Cup last season and are in an FA Cup final for the second year in a row.

The owners must decide if they will persist with the former Ajax man's project or scrap it and try again with another manager.

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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag addresses Rashford's form

The Manchester United boss has accepted that Marcus Rashford is suffering from a dip in form but believes the forward has the tools to turn things around. After scoring 30 goals last season, the Carrington graduate has barely got 10 in the ongoing campaign.

Ten Hag said (via the Telegraph):

“It has to do with himself but also to do of course with the team and in the first season and a half we had problems. I already said our attacking game has improved a lot after the winter. But before winter our attacking game was not good enough. I think it’s always the two factors I mentioned – it’s the team and it’s himself. They are of course related with each other.”

Ten Hag concluded:

“First of all, I think Marcus Rashford is capable every season of scoring 25 to 35 goals. He has the assets to do that. I am 100 percent confident of this. The other thing, yeah, when he is not doing the right stuff out of possession I will confront him with this. I will give arguments and also we use data.”

Manchester United will be in Premier League action against Burnley at Old Trafford later today (April 27).