'Bro's already accepted a top-four battle!' - Erik ten Hag leaves Man Utd fans utterly baffled as he insists Red Devils can't challenge for top-two finish next season

The Dutchman led United to a third-placed finish last season, while they won the Carabao Cup and were losing FA Cup finalists to Manchester City. This term, they crashed out of the group stages of the Champions League, sit sixth in the Premier League, and could have a trophyless campaign if they fail to beat City in a repeat of last year's FA Cup final. Ahead of facing Burnley on Saturday, the former Ajax boss thinks his side could make the top four in 2024-25 but any higher is unrealistic - something many fans are not happy about.

He told reporters on Friday: "This year we stand still but I think when everyone is available definitely we are competing for the top four. I’m confident of that. Although I have to say there are some teams, It is not anymore just a two-horse or three-horse race in the Premier League, there is Villa, there is Spurs, there is Newcastle. So many good teams - six or seven teams who all can compete. Chelsea - don’t forget them. They are all competing for the top four and we are one of them but we are not in this moment in the position to compete for number one or number two. That is fact. But I think we can come closer if we have a good [transfer] window."

@UTDTREY posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Season hasn’t even started and bro has already accepted a top 4 battle, embarrassing."

Fellow United fan @dolawanle tweeted: "We are in serious trouble with Ten Hag as our manager. He has already told the players that they ‘cannot’ win the Premier League next season. Pathetic!"

@TrueUnitedFan81 commented: "Clearly not with him. We will never challenge for the title with him as manager."

@Teesaids went further by tweeting: "Erik Ten Hag should be sacked immediately because how can you be a manager of a team like Manchester United and already accepting defeat before the next season of Premier League. This means Manchester United will go trophyless and might perform worst next season."

Finally, @zeeshanxz put: "Pathetic manager," and @UtdJBT added: "This is why we need someone like [Zinedine] Zidane."

United have gone backwards under Ten Hag this season, although injuries have not helped his or his team's cause. The club has spent more than £400 million ($505.5m) since his arrival in 2022 but there seems to be no discernible pattern of play or a style that fans can get behind. The 54-year-old is under pressure to keep his job and perhaps he feels playing down expectations may give him more time at Old Trafford. A big summer lies ahead for him and United.

United, who currently sit in a Europa League qualification spot for next season but are 13 points off fourth-placed Aston Villa in the race for the Champions League, host lowly Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.