Tuesday, 30th September, 2014
Robin van Persie believes that a top four finish in the Premier League is a "realistic" target for Manchester United to aim for this season.
The Red Devils won the Premier League title in Van Persie's first season at the club, but slumped to seventh last term following the retirement of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
As a result they are on the outside looking in when it comes to European football and Van Persie is keen to ensure the side return to the Champions League next season.
The striker feels aiming for that target is perfectly realistic given the quality in the club's squad.
"We have to make at least the top four. That's a realistic target but it's still early in the season", he was quoted as saying by ITV.
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"We are here, everybody wants to win every game, every training session and even if we are playing a different kind of game like table tennis.
"We are winners. We are not here just to set low standards. We want them to be as high as possible, winning games and winning trophies."
And the arrival of Louis van Gaal as manager in the summer, with a change in backroom staff brought about by the Dutchman's appointment, also helps the cause too, Van Persie insists.
"This year we have a great manager, great staff, great fans so when you look at everything together it makes it hard [not to be in the Champions League].
"Everything is in place to be up there competing with the very best teams. I think we can do it and we will."
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