Manchester United’s top-four hopes look to be fading away fast after yet another disappointing display at the weekend.
United were held to a 1-1 draw by Leicester at Old Trafford on Saturday, and in truth it could have been much worse for the hosts. They now face a real battle if they’re to have any chance of beating Arsenal or Tottenham to that final Champions League place.
With just eight games remaining, United have it all to do to qualify for Europe’s top table next season. Here’s a look at their remaining Premier League fixtures compared to their rivals.
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Saturday, April 9 – Everton (A)
United will be aiming to get straight back on the horse when they make the short trip to Goodison Park next weekend. With Frank Lampard’s side embroiled in a relegation battle, United would expect to pick up three points here.
But that’s easier said than done. Despite their struggles, Everton have been formidable at home recently and they may well fancy their chances against a misfiring United.
Saturday, April 16 – Norwich City (H)
Out of all of their remaining games, this surely has to be the one where United would almost guarantee themselves three points. Norwich find themselves stuck to the bottom of the table and look destined for a return to the Championship.
Even with United’s indifferent form, this has to be a victory at Old Trafford. Anything less would simply be an embarrassment.
Tuesday, April 19 – Liverpool (A)
After that 5-0 thrashing earlier in the season, United fans would perhaps be forgiven for not relishing a trip to Anfield. If there’s a glimmer of hope for United, though, it’s that Jurgen Klopp’s side will head into the game off the back of meetings with Manchester City in the league and FA Cup. If they don’t go Liverpool’s way, United will hope to take advantage of a wounded beast.
Saturday, April 23 – Arsenal (A)
If United are still in the race for the top four, this will likely be the game that decides their fate. The Gunners currently sit three points ahead, with two games in hand.
Given that advantage, United will have to go to north London and win if they’re to have any chance of qualifying for the Champions League. Anything less, and they can likely kiss goodbye to their hopes once and for all.
Monday, May 2 – Brentford (H)
Just a few weeks ago, you’d have had this down as an easy win for United, regardless of form. After their result at the weekend, it’s a different prospect.
Brentford’s thrashing of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge showed they’re not a side to be taken lightly. With Christian Eriksen making a big impact, there’s an obvious danger to United.
Saturday, May 7 – Brighton (A)
Having started the season in such an impressive manner, Brighton’s season looks as though it’s going to end in a slight whimper. Without a win in their last seven, they’ve found themselves dropping into the bottom half of the table.
Graham Potter’s side simply can’t buy a goal at the moment – only Burnley (22) and Norwich (18) have scored fewer than their 26 this season. It’s just a question of whether United can find the goals themselves on the south coast.
Sunday, May 15 – Chelsea (H)
This one is subject to change, with Chelsea potentially being involved in the FA Cup final on the previous day. Nevertheless, it will likely take place during the final week of the season.
Whether all of the uncertainty around Stamford Bridge is resolved by then, we’ll have to wait and see. Either way, this is as tough as it gets for United.
Sunday, May 22 – Crystal Palace (A)
The season draws to a close at Selhurst Park on the final day. Crystal Palace have impressed under Patrick Vieira this season – taking four points off City speaks volumes for the work he’s done.
Should United still have something to play for, they certainly won’t have things easy in south London. One thing’s for certain though, fans will be relieved to see the back of this season.
Arsenal’s remaining fixtures
Crystal Palace (A)
Brighton (H)
Southampton (A)
Chelsea (A)
Manchester United (H)
West Ham (A)
Leeds (H)
Newcastle (A)
Everton (H)
Tottenham’s remaining fixtures
Aston Villa (A)
Brighton (H)
Brentford (A)
Leicester (H)
Liverpool (A)
Burnley (H)
Norwich (A)
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