Every word: Part one of Erik's pre-Bournemouth press conference

The top-flight status of Gary O’Neil’s side was recently secured for another season, with a period of five wins in seven games - prior to their recent losses to Chelsea and Crystal Palace - going a long way towards that. 

United are next up for the Cherries, as we prepare to make the long trip south to the Vitality Stadium for Saturday's 15:00 BST kick-off, in search of vital points as we pursue a place in 2023/24’s Champions League. 

On the eve of the game, Erik was asked for his thoughts on O’Neil’s side, and you can see his full response - along with every other word from the first part of his pre-match press conference – below…

First of all, on the injury front with Marcus [Rashford], Rapha Varane and Scott McTominay, are they available this weekend?
"It's positive on Varane, [he’s] definitely available. Scott, [he’s] joining in training, I think if the final training [session] goes well, he'll be in. Also, Rashy, he trained the whole week but today he reported he doesn't feel well, so he's ill. We have to see how he recovers during the day and then see tomorrow."

Obviously, Manchester City reached the Champions League final this week with a fantastic performance that I'm guessing kind of sets the standard that you have to match as a whole... how does that affect the group that you need, the players that you need and then the ability to go out and spend in the transfer market? How do you look at that when you see the level you've got to reach?
"When you see this project, it's first of all important to get into the Champions League. I don't think today of that standard, I look to the next game and that's Bournemouth. We have to win that to get in the Champions League, we have everything in our hands. So, we focus on the game and the games coming up, the first game is the most important.”

Have you had conversations with Richard Arnold and John Murtough about what is going to be available to you?
"We are talking every day."

Erik, as far as Bournemouth is concerned, how impressed have you been as far as the turnaround that they've had after flirting with relegation and now finding themselves in a really good position?
"I think, as far as I can see, it's really brilliant that a club like Bournemouth [have been] that long in the Premier League [over the years] and now already, before the end of the season, they are definitely safe for next season in the Premier League as well. So, I think it's a massive performance from them, it's a good team, it's a really good structure in that team, you can see clear patterns. So, well done."

How much of a threat do they represent to you? Obviously, you have that game in hand as far as qualification for fourth is concerned, but you have to make sure everyone is fully ready, you can't take anything for granted at this stage...
"You tell it right! So, I don't have to [say anything], you already reply [with] your own answer!"

Erik, obviously we heard the news about Phil Jones today. You haven't been able to see him on the pitch but...
"Yes, [I have for] 20 minutes [in the] first training [session] of the year! But, I think he has [had] a great career, what he achieved, winning the Premier League, winning the FA Cup, winning the Europa League, being present at two World Cups, a massive career at Man United. So, all the credit for his career."

And just on Marcel Sabitzer as well, obviously he won't be available to you for the rest of the season, but is he somebody you could potentially look to keep here on another loan or a permanent deal?
"We will see, but it's not our main focus, our main focus is Bournemouth."