Erik ten Hag insists Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'absolutely' has confidence in him

Erik ten Hag insists he has the backing of new Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe but admits that it is vital to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Ratcliffe's £1.3billion investment was finally ratified this week with the Ineos owner taking over the entire football operation at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe was reluctant to discuss Ten Hag's position but suggested that a succession of failed managerial appointments since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 was an indication that the 'environment' is to blame.

Ten Hag was asked if he believes Ratcliffe has confidence in him and replied: 'Absolutely, I had that feeling. We have so many talks, we are very aligned, we have the same ambition, we are very aligned in the process.

'We speak a lot. There are many conversations with him and with (Sir) Dave Brailsford about this club, about this team and about the structures.

'We are very aligned. It totally fits with ambitions I have, and the ambitions I had when I came in. I'm 19 months in and I see we are going in the right direction.

'We have had setbacks in the second season but you see the team coming. It's important to have players fit but also to construct the squad. We will be strong and we will be even stronger when we add to this squad even more qualities.'

Asked if there is more pressure on him now, Ten Hag said: 'Nothing. No more pressure because we have the same ambition, we have the same targets.'

However, he conceded that securing Champions League football is imperative as United chase a top-four spot. It could prove pivotal in deciding Ten Hag's future, and even more so with Thomas Tuchel set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

'We will do everything in our power,' added the Dutchman. 'There is