Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag can surpass his first promise to fans in next five days

Erik ten Hag regularly uses the word 'clear' and he was exactly that last year when outlining his first Manchester United target.

“I said this is the project, to bring Man United back on top, but also we have to accept the current situation we are in,” he said, when asked about his first season. “First of all, Man United belong in the Champions League, so that will be the first target."

Just nine months after that unveiling interview and that already looks to have been achieved, as United would have to spectacularly capitulate not to finish in the top four, despite there being plenty of football still to be played in the Premier League

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United are seven points clear of Tottenham in fourth position, but more importantly, they appear to be a cut above the chasing pack. The performances have continued to improve and they have momentum, although a title challenge still feels like it may be a stretch.

Paul Scholes joked about a quadruple at the weekend and it's remarkable United remain in all four competitions by mid-February on the back of the worst season at the club for decades, something which Ten Hag deserves immense praise for.

With Champions League qualification looking likely, United have the opportunity to surpass Ten Hag's first target in a potentially season-defining week.

Ten Hag has insisted 'every game is important', but matches against Barcelona and Newcastle on Thursday and Sunday have the potential to shape how his first season is remembered.

Prior to the first leg of the Europa League playoff at Camp Nou last week, Barcelona were the favourites to progress to the next round. The price differential with the bookmakers has since