Manchester United's head coach Erik ten Hag waits for the start of the English Premier League soccer match between Brentford and Manchester United at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on March 30, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said he is realistic enough to know that securing a place in next season's Champions League will be difficult with the club 11 points out of fourth place and a growing injury list to contend with.

United, who are sixth in the Premier League, have played two games fewer than fourth-placed Aston Villa and will look to close the gap to eight points when they play at Chelsea later on Thursday.

With Tottenham Hotspur one place above them in fifth, United have their work cut out to claim a place in Europe's elite club competition.

Manchester United's Danish striker #11 Rasmus Hojlund and Bayern Munich's South Korean defender #03 Kim Min-Jae vie for the ball during the UEFA Champions League group A football match between Manchester United and FC Bayern Munich at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, north west England, on Dec 12, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

"I know it will be very difficult because we are not in a good position," said Ten Hag. "But we want to win every game, that is the standard we have here ... We have to catch up. But I also know we have had a lot of problems so I am a realistic man.

"In a competition that is so competitive and the teams are so close in terms of levels with each other, then you need the players to be available to make a consistent team to bring the routines in your way of play."