Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United have a long way to go but they MUST qualify for next season’s Champions League… and primary target Frenkie de Jong ‘would make a huge difference to them’
Jamie Carragher claims that Erik ten Hag must qualify for the Champions League
Manchester United failed to lift a trophy for the fifth consecutive season in 2022
Carragher described United’s primary target Frenkie de Jong as ‘top class’
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Jamie Carragher states that Erik ten Hag must bring Manchester United back to the Champions League next season, although that will not be an easy task.
After a fifth consecutive season without trophies, United will enter the Europa League next season – something Carragher admits ‘doesn’t feel right’.
In addition to the financial and commercial implications of participating in club football’s most important tournament, United looks set to lose legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo as a result, compounding the injury.
Jamie Carragher thinks it is necessary for Manchester United to return to the Champions League
The SkySports pundit said: “I think there is a long road for United that they are on right now in terms of challenge for the title.
“I think the first thing when it comes to Ten Hag and the players they bring in will be ‘we need to get this club back in the Champions League where it belongs’. That’s where Manchester United should be.
“But it won’t be easy to get back into the top four this season, not just for United, but for any team that would normally be in the top four.
‘You would expect’ [Manchester] City and Liverpool do it because they always go for the title, but you have to see how strong Chelsea will be and the signings they bring in, Tottenham’s work too, Arsenal too.’
Erik ten Hag will have to work hard to get the club back into the most important tournament of club football
Carragher was also effusive in his praise of Frenkie de Jong, United’s primary target, who has long had interest from the Premier League side but seemingly in vain.
The Dutch midfielder is said to be deeply concerned about United’s functioning, with the player saying it is run ‘irregularly’ by management.
Since Ten Hag’s arrival at Old Trafford, a number of midfielders have left the club, most notably Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba, and the club hopes De Jong can strengthen the squad in that regard.
Frenkie de Jong would make a huge difference for United, but would be careful with a switch
The former Liverpool defender told SkySports News: “It will be interesting if they get De Jong. I think he is a top player and I think he would make a huge difference for them.
‘I am not content. I think they should bring more but it won’t come overnight. It takes time, it’s a process.
“The requirement is that they must become fitter than they are now. But we are building it. It is also the responsibility of the players themselves to be fit.
“They have responded very well, but I know we are at the beginning of a process and it will take time. We need at least the full pre-season, but I also know that we won’t be ready at the beginning of the season. But I also know that we need results in the beginning.’