Dimitar Berbatov has told Manchester United exactly what they need to do under Erik ten Hag when he arrives at the end of the current season.
United's hopes of reaching the Champions League are all but over after they suffered defeat to Arsenal last Saturday and drew at home to Chelsea on Thursday night. Thoughts are now turning to the summer when the current Ajax manager Ten Hag will arrive at the Theatre of Dreams.
Earlier this month, Ten Hag signed a deal to take over at Old Trafford until 2025. United have an option to extend his deal for a further year should they wish to.
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Berbatov believes that once he does arrive, Ten Hag should be given the licence to go after the players he wants - even if this means avoiding the big names. Speaking to betfair, the former Reds striker said: "Unfortunately, it looks like United are out of the race for a top-four spot.
"They are relying on other teams losing and, while we have seen dramatic events in the Premier League, United finishing in the Champions League places would be incredible. They now have to rebuild.
"They will have to be strong and smart because talking about finishing in the top four as an achievement for a team like United, despite the ups and downs over the years, is an insult. They should be challenging [Manchester] City and Liverpool up there for the title.
"The best players will want Champions League football, but United don't necessarily need the best players, they need the right players for the team. Without Champions League football, United can get a year to totally rebuild and restart the process of remodelling the team, and Erik ten Hag can get used to the culture and get used to things.
" United need the right players for the positions and philosophy that Ten Hag wants to produce. So get the right players in, make them the best players and get the club back to where it should be."
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