Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge of Manchester United is coming to an end the mood could not possibly be lower, with the Reds running the risk of not qualifying for any of the three European competitions up for grabs.
A seat at Europe’s fine dining table, the Champions League, is already out of question going into the final three games of the season but with Chelsea and Newcastle both picking up form, qualifying for the Europa League is also under threat.
Ten Hag’s men could secure qualification into the Europa League through the FA Cup when a repeat of last year’s final takes place in less than two weeks.
Later on Sunday, United host Arsenal in a big game in the title race, with the Gunners having the chance to claim top spot in the Premier League.
Speaking ahead of the game, Ten Hag has insisted that he has no doubts over the spirit within the camp despite the ‘failure’ against Crystal Palace earlier this week when the Eagles put four past United.
“If I see the problems we have faced, all the injuries in almost every game, they have fought,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying by the official Manchester United website.
“There was great team spirit. Not on Monday. That’s why I was so disappointed. Monday I was really disappointed but also the players were disappointed with themselves. It was collectively a failure. But in all the other games we have fought with each other. A good team spirit, so I can’t have any doubts about this.”
Should United stop Arsenal from claiming another three points in the league, the title will almost certainly be handed to cross-city rivals Manchester City for the fourth consecutive year.
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