Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn believes Erik ten Hag would be in a better position if Manchester United avoided European football altogether next season if a top four finish cannot be reached.
The 58-year-old said the Dutchman - who was officially announced as United’s next boss on Thursday - would experience less problems if his first season didn’t have the strain of the Europa League or European Conference League. Ralf Rangnick’s side are currently three points off fourth-placed Tottenham having played a game more.
However, a loss against Arsenal this weekend would surely dissipate their outside hopes of Champions League qualification with just four games remaining. Winterburn said he doesn’t believe United will ultimately get that coveted fourth spot, so may be better off finishing eighth, outside of the European competition places.
Speaking to Paddy Power, he said: “Manchester United are a huge club like Arsenal and with the new manager coming in, not being in Europe will help him. They’ll pick up less injuries, they won’t have to rotate as much and Erik Ten Hag can work on his system of play throughout the week and fully focus on the league, barring a couple of cup competitions where he can rotate his squad.”
He added: “It wouldn’t do United any harm by not being in Europe, although the Manchester United board might disagree with me! It would be different if we were talking about the Champions League, but they won’t finish in the top four.”
Winterburn also said that Saturday’s clash with Arsenal is a “bigger game” for the Gunners than United due to their greater chances of securing a top four finish.
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