Manchester United legend Roy Keane is convinced that his former side's unlikely FA Cup win ensured that Erik ten Hag remained as manager but he has warned the Dutchman that the team must improve.
The Dutchman came under threat of losing his job following a dismal Premier League and European campaign that saw the side finish eighth and crash out of the Champions League at the group stage.
But United stunned the footballing world when they earned a 2-1 win over their rivals Manchester City in the final game of the domestic season.
Keane, who made 475 appearances for the Old Trafford club during a glorious 12-year spell, believes that Ten Hag's triumph gave him some 'breathing space' ahead of what promises to be a defining season for his old club under new footballing leadership.
'The cup game gave him [Erik ten Hag] some breathing space and rightly so, but he can’t be finishing eighth next year.' Keane, who was speaking on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, said.
'They [Manchester United] have to be competing next year in the top four, it's going to be hard to win but it’s about competing, the records they’ve created the last twelve months in the league, it’s so poor.'
Under the stewardship of new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group United have set about restructuring the footballing department of the club in an effort to return to the side to their former glories.
The Red Devils poached Omar Berrada from City to be their new CEO, while Jason Wilcox has come in as technical director and Dan Ashworth is finally set to join as sporting director after a protracted and acrimonious departure from Newcastle.
Ten Hag was also handed an additional year to his United deal which was due to expire at the end of the upcoming season and Keane reckons this is crucial in proving the club have faith in the former Ajax boss.
'He only had one year left on his contract and they didn’t want the uncertainty going into the new season.' The ex-United skipper added. 'The clauses will still be the same and it’s not to mean that they won’t get rid of him in October or November, it’s just a message to give him a backing.'
After defeat to Arsenal in the first game of their US tour, United continue with clashes against Real Betis and Liverpool
The Premier League giants are currently on their pre-season tour of the United States which began with a 2-1 defeat by Arsenal on Sunday. The side face Real Betis in California on Sunday before an eye-catching clash against Liverpool on August 4.
There is also the small matter of the Community Shield against City the following Saturday before their league campaign begins with the visit of Fulham on August 16.