Captain Sol Bamba has vowed for United to be pushing for promotion in 2016/17, saying "we’re going to have a go next season, definitely".

Saturday’s 1-1 draw away to Preston North End saw United finish a mixed Championship campaign in 13th position.

But Bamba insists the side are “in a better shape” than this time 12 months ago and says he and his team-mates will be doing everything they can to meet the club’s aim of at least a top-six finish next term.

“With some of the games we’ve had, we’ve shown that we can compete with teams at the top of this league,” said Bamba.

“I think we need to take the positives from this season and move onto the next one. It’s been a good learning curve and we’re definitely going to be ready.

“There were a lot of ups and downs and we all felt we could have done better at times. We’re going to have a go next season, definitely.

“We’re definitely in a better shape. We still need one or two more players and there’s still a lot of work to be done to continue moving the club forward.

“We need consistency. If you are consistent in this league, that’s how you achieve success.”

The centre-back also paid tribute to the United supporters who have stuck with the team throughout the season, with an incredible 5,464 travelling fans in attendance for Saturday’s draw at Deepdale.

“They’ve been absolutely unbelievable this season and they were again on Saturday,” said Bamba.

“On behalf of the players, I’d like to give them a big thank-you because they’ve been very, very good all season. We don’t take it for granted, we take appreciate it.

“I think sometimes we realise we should do better – for ourselves, for the supporters and the expectations of the club.

“That’s football and we’ll go again. Overall, I think it’s been a disappointing season if I’m honest, but it’s done now so we’ll move on.

“Next season, we really want to have a good go.”