Erik ten Hag makes Manchester United expectations clear amid Marcus Rashford warning

Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United must 'raise the bar' next season as he predicts the battle for a top-four finish to be harder than ever.

The Dutchman secured a third place finish during his debut campaign at United, rounding off an impressive year in which he also won the Carabao Cup. United have pushed hard to improve their squad further this summer, having agreed a fee for Rasmus Hojlund on Saturday with both Mason Mount and Andre Onana already through the door.

But other rival teams are also spending big in the transfer window, and last season's major underachievers - Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham - all look set to mount a serious top-four challenge. Meanwhile, the likes of Brighton and Aston Villa will hope to maintain their momentum.

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BREAKING: United agree transfer fee for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund

"We have to raise the bar but to do that is necessary because the competition is very strong," Ten Hag said ahead of United's final United States friendly against Borussia Dortmund. "We have many competitors to battle for the top four positions in the Premier League so it is going to be a huge battle.

"It's not between two or three clubs, it's between seven, eight or nine who can all finish in the top four. It’s going to be a really exciting league I'm sure."

While United will have spent around £170m once Hojlund's arrival is confirmed, Ten Hag will be equally demanding of his current squad to improve. Marcus Rashford enjoyed his best ever season in front of goal last time out, netting 30 times across all competitions.

That tally was enough to earn him a new five-year