Is the top 4 a realistic target for Manchester United?
By Jake Cole
Louis Van Gaal was meant to prevent the downfall of Manchester United when he was appointed in 2014, however he has just added to it, but, have Manchester United been handed a life line in this season?
Many have laughed at Manchester United at times this season and rightly so, as they have been below their high standards, as they have been for a few seasons now. However, they have began to pick up some good form in the Premier League and have started to play more confidently with a young-looking side.
More from Playing for 90
- Alexia Putellas reaches 400 games with Barcelona
- Everything you need to know ahead of the 250th ‘Super Clásico’
- Barcelona put five past Real Betis
- Manchester City suffer but come away with win over West Ham
- Baffling Liga MX ruling strips Puebla of a hard-earned victory
With a whole host of injuries to big players such as, Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial, Bastian Schweinsteiger and a few more, they have had to rely on young and inexperienced players. It has seemed like a new 18-year-old has made his debut every time they play, as Van Gaal keeps introducing new players to the frame.
A shining light out of these group of youngsters is 18-year-old Englishman, Marcus Rashford who has burst onto the scene with four goals in three games for United. He scored two on his unexpected debut in the Europa League and then to prove it was no fluke, he put two past Arsenal in the Premier League, to all but sink Arsenal’s hopes of the Premier League title.
However, this good form has put Manchester United right back in the frame for a top four finish in the league and the possibility of securing Champions League football, for a club that is in need of it. They are currently level on points with ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City, who are currently in a horrible run of form. So Manchester United will fancy themselves to climb into the top four by the end of the season.
If Rashford keeps progressing rapidly and Rooney and Martial come back firing, they could even put themselves in contention for the title again as this crazy season keeps surprising us all. During the midweek fixtures none of the top four picked up three points, whilst United got a late winner against Watford, after a great free kick from Juan Mata. They are now knocking on the door of the Champions League places and forcing City to look behind their shoulders in panic mode.
So, the answer to the question, whether United have a realistic chance of getting in the top four, is YES!
With the league being wide open and the young team hitting form at the right time, Van Gaal’s men (or boys) should definitely fancy their chances of getting Champions League or even more depending how the next few games plan out. However, time and time again it has been said that this crazy season is unpredictable and everyone has beaten everyone.
Related Story: 5 key factors in Manchester United vs West Brom
With predictions out the window it should set up for a highly entertaining finish to the Premier League season, as the title odds and top four odds are changing daily and everyone is shocked every week when seeing the results of the teams around them. Manchester United will most likely have a new manager next season, which is likely to be Mourinho, and what a better way to introduce him to the club with Champions League football.