Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has backed Erik ten Hag to lead the club to Europa League glory this season and in the process, guarantee himself more time in the Old Trafford dugout.
Ten Hag has already won two trophies in as many years at United and will undoubtedly be looking for a third this season.
He lifted the Carabao Cup during his first campaign at the club and despite an extremely poor 2023/24 in which the Red Devils finished in eighth place in the Premier League, the Dutchman still somehow managed to clinch the FA Cup after beating Manchester City in the final at Wembley.
The win over City arguably convinced Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS not to fire Ten Hag, who was facing a certain sack.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Hargreaves insisted that United should be aiming to win the Europa League this term.
He said, “I think when you’re in the Champions League and you’re not at the level of the other teams you get found out real quick.”
“Last year was quite disappointing, the issues that they had in the Champions League but I think winning the Europa League is super realistic for them with the squad that they have and I wouldn’t put it past them.”
“If they could find another way to win a trophy then Ten Hag will be there for a while still.”
Hargreaves added, “I think back to Arsenal when they kept getting smashed by Bayern seven one – it’s not really good for you if you keep getting beat that heavily. So I think for United right now, they’re probably in the right place where they can actually go and win that competition.”
The 2008 Champions League winner had his say on United’s start to the season and indicated that it hasn’t been up to the standards expected of them.
He explained that United need to fix their midfield dynamics to ensure there is balance in the middle of the park.
Hargreaves pointed out that new signing Manuel Ugarte will significantly help the team in their bid to reinforce the midfield.
United kickstart their Europa League journey on Wednesday night when they host FC Twente.
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