Steve Holland: Manchester United targeting goals beyond a Champions League position this season

Manchester United’s assistant manager Steve Holland has emphasized that the club is aiming for more than merely securing Champions League qualification as they approach the concluding weeks of the season.

Since Michael Carrick assumed control in mid-January, United has ascended to third place, and with seven matches remaining, they are on track for a return to Europe’s premier club competition after a year away from continental play.

“I believe the language we should adopt as a club is to finish as close to the top as we can,” Holland stated on the club’s website. “I cannot predict how feasible that is, but that must always be the challenge: to get as near to the top as possible.

“We’ve been focusing more on winning our matches with the players, rather than concerning ourselves too much with what is happening below us.

“However, given the circumstances, finishing in the Champions League spots would be a favorable outcome for us, but I think we should always aspire for more than that.”

United’s aspirations for the Champions League have been enhanced by Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Sporting in their quarter-final first leg on Tuesday night, ensuring that the Premier League will have at least five clubs in the Champions League next season due to UEFA’s European Performance Spot.

As they head into the weekend, United holds a seven-point advantage over sixth-placed Chelsea.

This week, United has been engaged in a training camp outside Dublin, utilizing a 24-day interval between their 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on March 20 and Monday night’s match against Leeds at Old Trafford.

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The extended break between matches is attributed to both the international window and United’s early departure from cup competitions.

“Our last game, Bournemouth to Leeds, sets a Premier League record, I believe, in terms of the duration between matches,” Holland remarked.

“Thus, the gap has been as lengthy as possible. We felt it was crucial to reunite the entire group and concentrate on finishing the season strongly. I think this venue was ideal for that purpose.”