Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said that the team are fighting for fifth place and a possible spot in the Champions League.
++Red Bull team principal Christian Horner denies allegations again after alleged leaked messages
Even though United are now 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa with 11 games left, Ten Hag refuses to give up on Champions League qualification. The new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has made access to the competition a priority for the season.
++Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba got four-year suspension for doping
But United’s 3-1 defeat by Manchester City on Sunday (3) means that the club now needs Villa to make a serious mistake, or the Premier League will be down to five places in the expanded competition.
Even so, United will need fifth-placed Tottenham to fail, as Ange Postecoglou’s side are six points clear with a game in hand. “It can be a quick turnaround. We have to go into another final and try and get closer to them”, said Ten Hag.
“It can be an advantage that fifth spot can also be a Champions League spot, so we have to go for it and win our games”, added the manager. United will face Everton for the Premier League next Saturday (9).