David de Gea has challenged Manchester United to finish third position in the Premier League instead of fourth this season.
To take an important step toward qualifying for Champions League football, Erik ten Hag was aware of the importance of a victory against Bournemouth on Saturday and his side were able to secure three points in a professional manner.
It was not a vintage United display at the Vitality Stadium, but Casemiro's brilliantly taken, acrobatic goal in the first half was enough for the win and Bournemouth, who are safe already, offered just minimal threat going forward.
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United need just a single point from their remaining two league games against Chelsea and Fulham to guarantee Champions League football and De Gea, speaking after the Bournemouth victory, was delighted with the result.
The Spaniard reflected on the display and he challenged his side to now finish above Newcastle, who are in third.
"They had a few chances, you have to be very focused all game, trying to be connected with the team and we won the game," De Gea told MUTV. "So I'm happy with everyone and it's a massive improvement from last season.
"We're going the right way, but the job is still not done and we have to two games at home. We'll try to win both and we know we need one point, but let's try win both. Let's see if we can finish in third, rather than fourth.
"It's always special to play at Old Trafford and we have a chance to get a Champions League spot at home, so it's the perfect positon and we have to finish the job. Not just the defenders, the whole team played well.
"We pressed high, recovered balls in their half and we did really well."
United will next play Chelsea on Thursday 25 May.
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