Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he is disappointed with his side’s eighth place finish in the 2023-24 Premier League season.
The Red Devils defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 on Sunday but it was not enough to move them up the table as the other sides above them: Chelsea and Newcastle United all won.
United ended the season with 14 defeats and 60 points which is their second worst finish after the 2021-22 season when they finished with 12 defeats and 58 points.
Eighth place is also their lowest finish in the Premier League era.
“It’s difficult but we’ve talked before over this and it was a very tough season for us,” Ten Hag said reflecting on the season.
“We know it’s not good enough, by far. Simple. There are reasons but, at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. It’s United. You have to finish higher and this is not good enough. We know the competition is tough.
“We have 60 points, two years ago, it was 58 and were sixth and, now, 60 and eighth. But it is not good enough. We’re disappointed.”
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United will now turn their attention to the FA Cup final on Saturday when they take on familiar foes Manchester City in a rematch of last season’s final which the men in red lost.
Ten Hag has set sights on winning the cup competition which will give United a spot in next season’s Europa League.
“It’s fantastic. A cup final. Such a great event. As a kid, you want to take part in this and get a look at it,” he added.
“Everyone is really excited to lift this cup. We still have a good opportunity, going to the final is a huge achievement and, if you’re in a final you want to win.
“It’s all about trophies and we have an opportunity to lift the cup. It’s all about winning trophies and, as a result of it, we need to be in Europe and it is our last opportunity.”
Should Man United win the FA Cup, it would be the second title in Ten Hag’s second season after seeing them to the EFL Cup in 2022-23.
