Dimitar Berbatov has said that Manchester United 'need to be targeting' the Premier League title next season following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's hiring as permanent manager.
Solskjaer was awarded for his excellent tenure as caretaker manager with a three year contract on Thursday after completely turning the club around.
United were closer in points to the relegation zone than the top of the table when the Norwegian took over and looking down the barrel of a disappointing season.
Instead he has rejuvenated the club by making Champions League qualification a real possibility after an incredible up-turn in results and somehow advancing past PSG into the Champions League quarter-finals.
There's no doubt that Solskjaer has earned the job, but Berbatov says the pressure is now on him to deliver.
Solskjaer warns Manchester United players following managerial appointment
"Getting the job is a brilliant first step, but in many ways the difficult work starts now," the Bulgarian told Betfair.
"I've heard the argument that United were holding off appointing Solskjaer full-time to keep the players hungry, but there is no way they will take their foot off the pedal - these are top professionals and they have loads to play for.
"The aim this season will be to get in that top four - and as far as they can in the Champions League of course - but come next season they need to be targeting the title. This is Manchester United we are talking about!
"Ole has had the chance to look at the team this season and he absolutely needs to be fighting for all the big prizes next season."
Berbatov, who spent four years at United and scored 56 goals, sees Solskjaer's appointment as encouraging for other players who are looking to get into management.
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He added: "To see an ex-player given the chance to manage a massive club like United is good to see and really encouraging for those of us looking to get into coaching - it's almost like he's representing us ex-players, inspiring people to go out and do something.
"I was glad to see United offered Ole a three-year-deal, it shows they have confidence in him to build for the future. Something like an 18-month contract would have shown a lack of faith."
