Erik ten Hag has challenged his Manchester United players to ‘bring consistency’ if they are to win more trophies under his management.

The Red Devils have won two trophies in two seasons with the Dutchman at the helm. They first lifted the Carabao Cup during his maiden 2022/23 campaign before rescuing a dismal 2023/24 term with an impressive victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

United finished a club-record low of eighth in the Premier League last season, with Ten Hag forced to take extremes with his tactics due to a large injury list.

But there is fresh optimism heading into 2024/25, which will be the first full campaign with INEOS in charge of club operations.

Ahead of Saturday’s Community Shield clash with City, Ten Hag was asked about whether his side will be able to compete for the Premier League title.

“We will challenge for the Carabao Cup and FA Cup as well,” he replied. “It shows we are competitive and can beat any opponent. That’s what we proved in the last two seasons.

“We beat Liverpool, we beat Manchester City. Our challenge is to bring consistency against lower-class teams – [although] I don’t think there are lower-class teams in the league – to win the points. Other teams are ahead of us in that prospect and there we have to keep up.

“We know already we can beat City. It’s not dependent on the result on Saturday, it will not change that belief.

“The FA Cup is a higher occasion. But nonetheless we want to win but we showed we can beat City.

“We don’t want to take a risk with players and lose players for a long period. That’s what we have to take from last season when you’re in a pattern of missing any players with injuries. Players have to be available.”

United have already lost two key players to injury prior to their season opener, with Rasmus Hojlund and summer signing Leny Yoro out until the autumn.

After facing City at Wembley this weekend, Ten Hag’s men will prepare to host Fulham in next Friday’s Premier League curtain raiser.

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