Manchester United have been told there are “too many problems to fix” in order for them to finish in the Premier League’s top four this season.
United’s season has proven to be a big let-down for the club’s supporters so far, with pre-season hopes of a potential title challenge developing into a battle just to qualify for Europe next season.
The Reds have firmly dropped out of contention for a first league title since 2013, and now find themselves in a four-way fight to reach the top four, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool seemingly already having the top three positions sewn up.
And they’ve been steadily losing ground as they compete with Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham, with six points now separating them from the Hammers in fourth – although they do have a couple of games in hand.
United remain the favourites to finish in a Champions League position with bookmakers, although many are now questioning their credentials after more lacklustre performances under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
And former Arsenal striker and Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith believes they are now the firm outsiders to claim a top four place.
“It’s a really difficult one to call. I can’t see Manchester United doing it. I just can’t see them getting there with the way they’ve been playing,” Smith told Sky Sports.
“There might be a resurgence, we will wait and see, but there seem to be too many problems to fix at Old Trafford at the moment.
“For me, it might just be between the two north London clubs, Arsenal and Tottenham, which would be very interesting.
“Perhaps West Ham’s squad might just not be strong enough, especially if Michail Antonio picked up an injury.
“Obviously Spurs have got a couple of games in hand and were they to win those, they would go above the Gunners, but I’m just going to side with Arsenal.
“I’m going with Arteta’s side because they have come a long way this season and there’s a tight team spirit at the Emirates Stadium.
“There is less to sort out there than at Tottenham so that’s why I’ll go for my former team.”
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