Erik ten Hag suggests that Manchester United is in a battle for the fifth position and a potential Champions League spot.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag remains determined to secure Champions League qualification despite the team trailing fourth-placed Aston Villa by 11 points with 11 games remaining.
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has highlighted the importance of reaching Europe’s premier competition this season.
Even then, United must hope for fifth-placed Tottenham to stumble, a challenge made more daunting by having already faced both Villa and Tottenham twice.
Erik Ten Hag’s Champions league hopes
Nonetheless, Ten Hag remains optimistic, stressing the importance of winning games and acknowledging the potential opportunity for the fifth spot to secure Champions League qualification.
The upcoming clash between Villa and Tottenham could prove crucial in shaping the race for the coveted spots.
If Premier League teams secure top-two finishes in all three European competitions this season, England could attain five Champions League places through Uefa’s ‘Performance Slots.’ Currently, Italy and Germany hold those positions, leaving England in third.
For Manchester United to benefit from this scenario, they rely on rivals such as City and Liverpool progressing while teams from Serie A and the Bundesliga face eliminations.
However, United faces the additional challenge of catching up to Aston Villa or Tottenham.
How Manchester city humiliated their rival
Despite an early lead through Marcus Rashford’s brilliant goal, United’s performance against City was lackluster.
With only 26% possession and three attempted shots, it was one of their least assertive displays since 2003.
In contrast, City had 27 shots, contributing to United facing 444 efforts on goal this season at a rate of 16.4 per game, ranking among the highest in the league.
The defeat marked United’s 11th in the Premier League, just one short of their worst record in 2022 and 2013-14.
Observing this The BBC reports that, new director Sir Dave Brailsford’s presence raises questions about confidence in Ten Hag’s leadership, although the Dutchman remains optimistic about his team’s performance.
“In defining moments, luck wasn’t on our side. At 1-1, Rashford had another break, and just before the 2-1, Garnacho had a breakthrough. However, we were very close to securing a win or at least earning a point,” Ten Hag reflected.
As with the recent home defeat by Fulham, where Ten Hag claimed United were the better side, opinions may differ among many.
Did Manchester United actually deserve better?
Some may also dismiss Ten Hag’s suggestion that his team deserved a free-kick for a foul on Rashford by Kyle Walker just moments before the counter-attack leading to Foden’s equalizer.
Ten Hag defended the appeal, stating, “It was very soft, but when you are in a full-speed run and you get a little touch, then you are out of control.”
The stark reality for Ten Hag is that figures like Brailsford, Ratcliffe, and potentially Dan Ashworth, contingent on finalizing a deal with Newcastle for the sporting director to start his role, will determine his fate.
Gary Neville, former United skipper, hinted on Sky Sports that a decision might already be in place.
Facing upcoming challenges against Liverpool and Chelsea, along with a struggling Everton, Ten Hag remains optimistic about his team’s potential, stating, “No, I don’t think so,” when questioned about the perceived gap between United and City.
He emphasizes that despite injuries, his team remains competitive when fully assembled.
Ten Hag maintains a positive stance regarding his team, dismissing the notion that the game served as a reminder of the gap between United and City.
He argues, “Absolutely not. You can see we have many problems with injuries, and still, we had an opportunity.
It’s not that big, and when we have everyone on board, we can be competitive.” However, he acknowledges the current prowess of City, stating, “But City, in this moment, is the best team in the world. Don’t forget this.”
