Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has stated he wants to put his side “on top of the world" in the next couple of years.

The Dutchman has endured a topsy-turvy few months since taking over at the Red Devils this summer.

Ten Hag has managed 12 wins from his first 19 matches in charge, as they prepare to take on Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

“It's a great challenge and I like it," said Ten Hag.

“It gives me energy and I want to give everything in my power to get us back where we belong and that is on the top of the world.

“I knew from the start, it's an exciting process but also a difficult process, because I think Manchester United was far away from the standards that we need to be top.

“So we've worked for the last five months on the process and, as you see, it goes up and down. Sometimes you have to swallow bad performances, defeats, to get better and to get lessons.

“Also sometimes you are conscious that you are not where you want to be and that you have to work really hard.

“I have a feeling that we are in the right direction and I'm quite impatient. I want to be straight and to win all the games and be on top of the league, but I know that is not a reality.

“The process takes time, but when we are not there - where we should have been - then something is wrong."