Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has already hinted at how seriously he will be taking the Europa League this season.
Following a poor campaign under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and latterly Ralf Rangnick, the Reds ended up finishing with their lowest ever Premier League points tally and a place in the B competition in Europe. United have been drawn in a favourable group with Real Sociedad, Sheriff and Omonia.
With such a pile-up of fixtures between now and the winter World Cup in Qatar, some clubs may opt to play weaker starting XIs in the Europa League. However, speaking back in May, Ten Hag seemed to hint at the possibility that he will be taking the competition seriously.
ALSO READ: Ten Hag request after Ajax dominate Rangers
In his first press conference, the Dutchman said: "I hope (to be playing Ajax soon), because that will tell us we are in the Champions League. We have to return as quickly as possible to that competition."
Of course, one of the ways to reach that goal is to finish in the top four in the Premier League. Another way of doing this is to win the Europa League.
Following four victories in a row, Ten Hag may be wary of changing his side too much and potentially halting his team's momentum in the process. United will kick start their Group E campaign when they host Real Sociedad at the Theatre of Dreams – and Ten Hag will know that he can take a step closer to returning United to the Champions League with a win.
READ NEXT:
