Manchester United 'have to be in the Champions League' - Erik Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United must be playing Champions League football next season, stressing there can be "no misunderstanding" about their need to return to Europe's top table.

Having taken over at the end of last season with the club at a low ebb, the former Ajax boss has overseen an impressive turnaround in both culture and quality at Old Trafford.

The Carabao Cup final triumph against today's opponents Newcastle saw Ten Hag became just the second manager in United’s history to win a major trophy in his first campaign at the helm.

The FA Cup and Europa League provide further opportunities for silverware, but there is no doubting the importance of Champions League qualification ahead of Sunday’s trip to their top-four rivals.

"One thing let’s make clear, we have to play Champions League football," Ten Hag said.

"A club like Manchester United has to act in the Champions League, so there’s no misunderstanding."

Asked if being in the Champions League makes United more attractive to potential summer signings, he said: "Of course we are more interesting when we are in the Champions League.

"But I think even when we’re not we are still attractive for players. I have noticed that also last year when we were not in the Champions League.

"But I want to make my point clear: we have to be in the Champions League.

"We have two paths. One is the Premier League, being in the top four, or win the Europa League, so they are the two paths."

Third-placed United are currently well-placed to qualify through the Premier League but would drop out of the top four if they lose at Newcastle and Tottenham won at Everton on Monday.

Lifting the Europa League trophy in May offers another avenue for a club that has remained attractive despite its