Paul Scholes has shared his thoughts on Manchester United’s chances of securing Champions League football and their battle with Tottenham and Aston Villa.
Both Tottenham and Aston Villa picked up wins over the weekend, whilst Erik ten Hag watched his team suffer yet another derby-day defeat.
That left Paul Scholes frustrated because he now thinks Manchester United’s best chance of playing Champions League football next season is trying to overcome fifth-placed Tottenham, as he told Premier League Productions (03/03/24 at 6:00 pm).
Ange Postecoglou’s side are six points clear and have played a game less, so he might need to come back down to earth on that one, even if the Premier League is awarded five places for European football’s elite competition next season.
The legendary midfielder acknowledged that Spurs ‘look alright’ this season after they came from behind to beat Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Even though it’s still unlikely that Manchester United secure Champions League football for next season.
What helps their chances, for this weekend at least, is the fact that Spurs will travel to Villa Park for a mouthwatering tie.
Given that Unai Emery’s men are 11 points clear, you think a win for Villa would suit those from Old Trafford?!
But, of course, they still have to do a job against Everton, as a deflated Paul Scholes just urged his former side to ‘worry about yourself’ amid the brilliance of Tottenham and Villa.
Top-four battle
“Yes, I think so,” agreed Scholes about Manchester United needing a miracle for fourth. “They have got to get past Tottenham and Aston Villa.
“Look, Villa are still looking good. They haven’t got the experience, I don’t think going into a run-in where the pressure is really on them to try and really finish fourth.
“But what are Man United now? 11 points? I think it’s very difficult. When I was here a couple of weeks ago, I thought they had a chance when they beat Aston Villa, but then they go and lose to Fulham. You can’t lose at home to Fulham if you have any ambition of getting that fourth spot or fifth spot, which might be possible.
“Fifth spot is the best they can hope for. What are they six points behind Tottenham, who look alright as well Tottenham? They can’t afford to worry about anybody else, they are playing that poorly themselves. You just have to worry about yourself and try to win the games in front of them.”
Aston Villa and Tottenham fight
Even if these two sides slip-up and drop more points than usual, you just can’t see Manchester United catching them simply because they aren’t good enough themselves.
Man United had their chance to pounce when they won at Villa Park, but they have since followed it up with back-to-back defeats.
Yes, Villa and Spurs still have to play the Premier League’s top three, and given how both teams attack, you would back one, if not both of them to upset the apple cart in the title race.
Aside from that, this race to secure a top-four finish is going to be between Spurs and Villa.
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