Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that it would have been a miracle to qualify for the Champions League next season.
United have missed out on the top four after a poor run of results in recent weeks, with the 1-1 draw at Huddersfield Town last weekend confirming that the Red Devils will not finish above Chelsea or Tottenham in the league table.
The Red Devils currently sit sixth ahead of their final game against Cardiff City this weekend, but they could move above Arsenal into fifth with a victory at Old Trafford, coupled with a defeat for the Gunners at Turf Moor.
However, Solksjaer has made a frank admission about the Red Devils' failure to reach the top four.
"I am not going to blame injuries, with the Premier League is the most competitive league in the world, and it just fell short of the miraculous target which was fourth," he said, speaking ahead of the game against Cardiff City on Sunday.
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Solskjaer took charge in December following the sacking of Jose Mourinho with United in sixth and some way off the race for the top four, but a superb run of form after he was given the role on a caretaker basis moved the Red Devils back into contention.
But a run of just two wins in their last seven Premier League games since he was given the job on a full time basis has ended their hopes of a top four finish, leading to questions over the Red Devils and their future ahead of Solskjaer's first summer in charge.
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However, the Norwegian insists that he is enjoying the challenge, as he reflected on his time in charge so far.
"It has been a mixed bag for me, but I can handle it. Overall it has been an adventure for me so far."
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