Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly set out his main aim for Erik ten Hag to achieve at Man United this season after standing by the Dutchman.

United recorded their worst-ever Premier League finish of eighth last term and Ten Hag appeared certain to be sacked heading into the final weeks of the campaign.

But beating rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley was enough to convince United's hierarchy to stick with Ten Hag. 

Ratcliffe has now set out his targets for the new season, with United expected to improve on last year, but Ten Hag is not under pressure to secure a top-four finish, according to The Guardian.

Instead, Ratcliffe wants to focus on clear progression of the first team and establishing a strong platform to build on for future success.

Man United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has set out his main priority for the upcoming season

United finished eight points outside the top four last season, but Ratcliffe does not view it as essential that they close the gap this year to get back into the Champions League.

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Yet he has made steps to strengthen United's squad in his first transfer window since becoming a part-owner of the club.

The Red Devils have already sealed deals for striker Joshua Zirkzee and centre back Leny Yoro, while they have also been linked with PSG's Manuel Ugarte and Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Ratcliffe's reported priorities have been revealed just days after new sporting director Dan Ashworth addressed the United fans for the first time.

In a lengthy statement, Ashworth vowed to take United back to the top of English football, but admitted that the club would need time to achieve this goal. 

‘This remains one of the biggest football clubs in the world, but that is not our measure of success,' he wrote. 'The focus is on getting back to being among the best on the pitch. 

'It won’t happen overnight, but together with Omar and his new leadership team, we will not rest until we have achieved it.

‘By winning the FA Cup in such impressive fashion, our players and staff showed what they are capable of. 

'Our challenge is to reach those levels much more consistently. 

'It’s my job, together with Jason, to create the right support structures around Erik, the staff and players to make that possible.’