United manager Louis van Gaal is aiming high in what he described as a "three year process" as he targets Premier League and Champions League success at the club before his planned retirement in 2017.
The Dutchman said that it is "realistic" to expect at least one major trophy in this timespan, but also admitted that United may need luck to help them on their way.
Having always maintained that he will leave United when his contract expires in 2017, LVG appeared a little less definitive when asked today.
"Normally I shall leave after next year as I have already said but what is normal in our football world you never know.
"I promised my wife I would go to our paradise in Portugal, it will be very hard to deny her that promise and it shall be very hard for me and for my wife."
"We have made progression in the maturity and balance of the team, we have to improve to win the Premier League and Champions League but we are still improving and I can see that every week.
"Reaching the final is also an aim and winning the final, but you need a little bit of luck, it is not only quality and I think Manchester United knows and remembers that fantastically when they won in 1999.
"I think that we have improved enough to win the Champions League, I do not know whether it is this year or next year but that is realistic."
Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger insisted that United are good enough to go all the way in the Champions League this season, saying that the side's "belief and team spirit" will stand them in good stead for the future.
Van Gaal praised the influence of Morgan Schneiderlin, whom, along with midfield team-mate Schweinsteiger brings composure and is key to the Reds "development" in the engine room.
"Last year we did not have balance in midfield, now we have Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Carrick, Fellaini and Herrera also, so this is important as it gives me many possibilities which is important when you have to play a lot of games.
"We have shown good development in the midfield positions and that is good for my philosophy so I am happy" said van Gaal.
Whether Van Gaal thinks we can win the Champions League this season or next remains to be seen, but it's good to hear him aiming to restore United to the very top of the elite before he bows out on a high.
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