Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, emphasized the club’s rightful place in the Champions League but acknowledged the need for proof after losing in-form striker Rasmus Hojlund to injury. Hojlund, who has scored seven goals in his past six Premier League appearances, suffered a muscle injury that will sideline him for two to three weeks.

The setback comes at a crucial juncture for United as they aim to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League. The team has faced other injury blows, with defenders Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez expected to miss a significant portion of the season due to hamstring and knee injuries.

Ten Hag expressed the challenges of playing high-intensity games and training, resulting in Hojlund’s injury. While it’s not a major setback, the 21-year-old will miss important fixtures, including the upcoming match against Fulham and the FA Cup fifth-round tie at Nottingham Forest.

United, currently trailing Aston Villa by five points in fourth place, is determined to secure a top-four finish for Champions League qualification. Ten Hag stressed that every game is crucial at this stage, declaring, “We belong there, but then you have to prove it.”

The recent injuries highlight the importance of Champions League revenues, as emphasized by the club’s new co-owner, Jim Ratcliffe. While Ratcliffe did not offer a full endorsement of Ten Hag’s tenure, the manager stated that they share the same ambition and are aligned in their vision for the club.