This season, finishing in the top four was the primary objective for Manchester United. If the Reds don’t make the Champions League, it will be a disappointing season despite the League Cup victory and the potentially historic FA Cup victory over Manchester City.
Manchester United lead Premier League
Erik ten Hag underlined the importance of the competition this week. He said: “All the big players want to play in the Champions League.
It’s essential for the rebuild of this club that we are in the Champions League. The players know they want to be in the Champions League. They want to be at the top of the Premier League.”
Ten Hag was disappointed with Thursday’s loss to Brighton, in which a penalty from Alexis Mac Allister in the final minute of regulation time proved decisive. The Seagulls are a fringe top-four contender making a run at Europe.
However, Liverpool will be the actual test. After playing an extra game, they are now four points behind United. Ten Hag’s team would be safe from elimination with a victory versus West Ham on Sunday.
Jordan Henderson, the captain, “doubts” that it can be accomplished. It’s pretty evident from the run-in if you ask me.
After playing West Ham
After playing West Ham, United’s remaining opponents are all mired in the middle of the standings. As a result of Gary O’Neil’s efforts, not only are Wolves thought to be secure, but so are Bournemouth. Chelsea’s situation is the most dire, but their match with Fulham on the last day of the season could decide the rest of the standings.
United’s top four competitors have several matchups against relegation teams and some matches against high-end sides in their remaining schedules. Liverpool, who just played Brentford, will next play at struggling but fighting Leicester.
Currently, Newcastle is in third place, ahead of United. On Sunday, they’ll face Arsenal in a massive matchup before facing relegation-threatened Leeds in the next game. Chelsea’s remaining schedule includes matches against Brighton and Leicester first.
The Seasiders face relegation-threatened Everton before taking on league-leading Arsenal and facing either Newcastle or Southampton. Manchester City and Villa’s remaining schedule is the toughest of all remaining teams.
Following their match against Crystal Palace, Tottenham will take on Brentford before closing the season against Leeds. The Villains’ last two games are against Liverpool and Brighton.
It all suggests that United have the most enticing remaining schedule and may gain ground on their top-four rivals by taking advantage of any slip-ups.
The Reds only need three wins to secure a berth in the Champions League and can cut that number in half with a victory over West Ham.
