In light of the tight competition for the top four spots, Erik ten Hag acknowledges that Manchester United's chances of competing in the Champions League are essential.
Despite a recent stumble that offered Liverpool new hope of catching their fierce rivals, Ten Hag's team still has control over their course of events.
On Saturday, fourth-placed United will travel to Bournemouth with a one-point advantage over fifth-placed Liverpool, who will play Aston Villa this weekend.
United still has three games left to play while Liverpool only has two, but Ten Hag is aware that his team's Champions League hopes were unnecessarily jeopardized by losses to Brighton and West Ham before their win over Wolves last weekend.
And towards the conclusion of his mainly encouraging first season in command, he emphasized to his players the significance of being in the top four.
“We have to win to get in the Champions League. We have everything in our hands so focus on the game, the games coming up, the first game is the most important.”
United may once more be without England attacker Marcus Rashford, which may be a setback to their chances of defeating Bournemouth.
He suffered a leg issue that kept him out of the Wolves game, but before being sick this weekend, he was supposed to be available.
“Rashy trained well the whole week but today he reported he doesn’t feel well, so he is ill. We have to see how he recovers during the day and then see tomorrow,” Ten Hag said.
United’s on-loan midfielder Marcel Sabitzer will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Asked whether the Bayern Munich player could have a future at Old Trafford, Ten Hag said: “We will see. It’s not our main focus, the main focus is Bournemouth.”
The latest Marcus Rashford blow for Manchester United comes after Erik ten Hag disclosed he is unwell.
Prior to their trip to Bournemouth, the 25-year-old returned to training after suffering a leg injury.
The Red Devils are playing the Cherries with the intention of maintaining their chances of finishing in the top four, but they may encounter difficulties.
Ten Hag was unable to say whether Rashford will be fit to play when asked about the journey to the south coast.
“Rashy trained well the whole week but today he reported he is ill. We have to see how he recovers during the day and see tomorrow," Erik Ten Hag stated during his presser on Friday afternoon.
With a staggering 29 goals throughout all competitions this season, the England international has been outstanding for United.
"So a positive, [Raphael] Varane definitely available, Scott [McTominay] joined in training, if training goes well he will be in," Erik Ten Hag added.
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