'Make new targets' - Erik ten Hag issues bullish Manchester United rallying cry ahead of FA Cup final

Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United would still have a "way to go" to return to the top level even if they win the FA Cup.

United are bidding to win the cup for a joint-record 13th time yet the prospect of denying City a Treble is arguably a greater incentive for their supporters.

City ended the Premier League season 14 points clear of United, who failed to mount a championship challenge for the 10th campaign running while City won their sixth title in the last nine years.

Also read: Ten Hag gives update on Antony

United have finished below City in every season since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Ferguson announced Pep Guardiola as the League Managers' Association Manager of the Year in midweek and admitted it is "sore" to recognise the City coach's greatness.

"I think they do a very good job," Ten Hag said of City. "They play very good football, they deserve [the plaudits]. Of course, I look at our opponents, I evaluate, but we look to ourselves and you have to see where you are as a club.

"And from there on, you have to make progress and I think we did over the last season, we made very good progress, we are in a good direction and now we have the opportunity in the summer to make new targets, new goals in the short-term.

"But the longer term will stay the same. As I said last year, we want to restore Man United but we have a way to go.

"I think it is very good when you see where we came from and then you see the progress and the development of the team. And in a tough league like the Premier League, you are third and winning the League Cup and in the final of the FA Cup, you can be happy with the season.

"But after the summer, we start again and we start on zero."

Ten Hag stressed the outcome of the FA Cup