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Manchester United coach Steve Holland has laid down a bold challenge to the players as the team enters the business end of the season.

Champions League beckons

United are firmly on course to finish within the Champions League spots and secure a sensational return to Europe’s most prestigious competition.

The Red Devils have turned a corner since Michael Carrick was named as Ruben Amorim’s replacement in December last year. Carrick has taken charge of 10 games, winning seven, drawing two and losing one. At present, United lie in third place in the Premier League table, one point above Aston Villa and six adrift of Manchester City in second.

With seven games left to play, United have it all in their hands to go on and achieve their primary objective of the campaign.

However, speaking to club media during the ongoing training camp in Dublin, Holland challenged the players to push for the highest possible position, instead of being content with merely finishing in the top four.

Arsenal may be out of sight at the top, but reeling in and perhaps passing City is a real chance. That, it seems, is Holland’s goal.

Ambitious challenge

Asked how...