After finishing third this season, manager Erik ten Hag expects Manchester United to "compete for the top two" in the Premier League the following year.
With a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford, United concluded their first league season under Ten Hag and secured third place in the standings. The Reds are confident going into Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City after winning all four of their recent games.
Regardless of the result against City, United has had a very successful first season under Ten Hag, finishing in the top four, qualifying for the Champions League the next season, and taking home the Carabao Cup. Their six-year trophy drought came to an end with their victory at Wembley in February.
The club has undoubtedly made improvement this season, but Ten Hag wants his team to continue on that success next year by raising their overall standards.
"My hope is that we have to do better," said Ten Hag, speaking at the club's end-of-season awards ceremony. "We always have to do better."
"We have a foundation, we have a good base and we have to do better. We still have one game to go this season and it is a great opportunity to make a next step."
"After that we then have the summer and we have to increase our standards to do even better. The competition is tough and our competitors also reach higher levels, so we have to do at least the same."
"But I don't think it is good enough. We don't want to stay here; we want to go higher up, we want to increase our levels and compete for the top two."
"We have to demand more and increase our levels."
Erik Ten Hag admitted he has sought advice from Sir Alex Ferguson during United's successful season. "We were aware of it," the manager explained when asked about the dip since the 81-year-old's departure.
"I informed myself. After Sir Alex left, the culture changed over the years. One of the biggest qualities Sir Alex had was to have high standards. I wanted to bring it back in, so that everyone in this organisation lives the highest standards and the football players too.
"I talk to Sir Alex regularly. He gives his opinion and I’m happy to have that opinion. With all his experiences and his intelligence it’s really valuable to talk with him. From Sir Alex, I learn a lot because he’s such a legend. It gives me inspiration, how to manage."
Ten Hag brought Ferguson inside the locker room to meet the players and deliver a few words after the Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle. When the Reds play Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday at Wembley, the Scottish boss is expected to be present.
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