Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are confident that their club can still finish in the top four this season.
After a worrying sequence of results earlier this season the Red Devils are now in fine form with Jose Mourinho seemingly having found his best team.
It was only a matter of time, of course, before he did so and with the players he has at hand at the club they are now looking quite the prospect.
However, they’ve certainly got to be perfect from now on, you feel, to make sure they get into the top four with the clubs around them also looking good to finish in those spots.
It’s going to be a tough run-in, then, and here are five games with the potential to throw United out of the mix for good – according to our landlord…
Manchester United v West Brom 01/04/17
In the Sir Alex Ferguson years this was a nailed on victory more often than not but this season United have really struggled to put away sides like West Brom.
They’ve drawn these games more often than not this year and Tony Pulis’ men will certainly make it difficult at Old Trafford. They’re chasing for Europe this season, too, and come this point in the season they could be very eager to get a result. United will need to be clinical.
Manchester United v Everton 04/04/17
Everton always the ability to throw a spanner in the works of the top sides with them looking to join the top six under Ronald Koeman.
They’re the favourites for seventh spot and once April rolls around they could be in very good shape indeed. They’ve got the ability to beat anyone when they get it right and if United aren’t at it from the get-go for this one they could be left with egg on their face.
Manchester United v Chelsea 15/04/17
This is easily United’s toughest test at home, though.
Chelsea battered the Red Devils 4-0 earlier this season at Stamford Bridge in a game that Jose Mourinho will surely have been hurt by. He’ll be keen for revenge, then, but Antonio Conte has shown himself more than tough enough to manage in the Premier League and he’ll undoubtedly have a plan to get a win here.
Arsenal v Manchester United 06/05/17
You could argue against this one with the fact that Arsenal have once again bottled their title chances but by this point in the season they’re usually flying again.
The Gunners have nothing to play for by this point in the year apart from the top four and that usually sees them bring out their best form. United are big challengers to them for the top four, too, and so this game is a must win for both sides at the Emirates.
Tottenham v Manchester United 13/05/17
Spurs can beat absolutely anyone on their day and this game right towards the end of the season could be massive in terms of where everyone challenging for the top four ends up.
The Lilywhites are keen to prove that they are amongst the best sides in the country and so winning this game has to be a part of that proof. It’s the last game at White Hart Lane before it’s taken down, too, and so Spurs fans will be keen to give it a fitting send off with a win.
Thoughts, United fans? Let us know below!
