Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said that he is not the only Premier League coach who is under pressure to finish in the top four.

After the World Cup, United will play Nottingham Forest at home on Tuesday to get back into their Premier League season. The Red Devils are in fifth place, three points behind Tottenham in fourth, but they still have a game to play.

Last season, United came in sixth place and didn’t make it into the Champions League.

A top-four finish, which would mean a return to the best football competition in Europe, is one of the most important steps in Ten Hag’s plan to bring back the glory days.

When reporters asked if United’s history added to the pressure, Ten Hag said, “I accept it the way it is.

“But I think also for the manager of Chelsea (Graham Potter), of Newcastle (Eddie Howe), all those clubs invest a lot in their squad. So for every manager it’s a big pressure to get into the Champions League, that’s clear.

“You want to be in the top four, to fight for trophies, and that’s our aim.”

“We are aware the competition is tough, but I think it counts for all the seven, eight clubs who are fighting for the top four.

“You have to really battle for every duel to get your points. I’m looking at the process, how we’re performing, and of course we have to get the results as well. But if the process is right, when we get the right progress, I think we have a good chance to get into that top four.”

Photo by EPA/PETER POWELL