Can Man United secure a top five finish in the Premier League?

With news filtering in that English clubs are set to clinch a fifth Champions League spot next season, it’s provided renewed hopes of elite European football for clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, and Newcastle.

Last month, UEFA analysis suggested that there was a 90% chance that the Premier League would take an extra place ahead of the Bundesliga. This has provided a timely boost for clubs like Man United, who find themselves unable to break into the top four due to an overall poor season.

But do Man United fans have the confidence that their team can secure a fifth place finish this season? With tough fixtures coming up for the Red Devils such as the mammoth clash against Liverpool this weekend, as well as a crucial clash with Arsenal towards the end of the season, Erik Ten Hag’s men will need to be at their very best in their final few games if they are to secure a place in next season's Champions League.

Man Utd remaining Premier League fixtures:

Man Utd vs. Liverpool, Sunday, 7 April, 4:30pm

Bournemouth vs. Man Utd, Saturday, 13 April, 6:30pm

Man Utd vs. Newcastle - Date and time TBC

Man Utd vs. Sheffield United, Wednesday, 24 April, 9pm

Man Utd vs. Burnley, Saturday, 27 April, 4pm

Crystal Place vs. Man Utd, Saturday, May 4, 4pm

Man Utd vs. Arsenal, Saturday, 11 May, 4pm

Brighton vs Man United, Sunday, 19 May, 5pm

All games will be shown live on Showmax Premier League

This week, Showmax caught up with members of various Man United supporters’ clubs around Africa to find out whether they think the Red Devils will secure Champions League football this season.

Manchester United Supporters' Club of South Africa 

Ethel Sleith, Branch Secretary of the Manchester United Supporters Club, South Africa:

How would you sum up Man United’s season so far?

Disappointing. Having followed United for 58 years, and having enjoyed the Fergie years, I’m used to better. Better performances, and better commitment from players who wear the shirt.

Do you expect United to secure a top five spot this season and qualify for next season’s Champions League?

I don’t. This team is unable to gather themselves for two good performances in a row.

How would you rate manager Erik Ten Hag’s stint at United this season?

He’s working under difficult circumstances. With injuries to key players as well as some players not performing to their capabilities, it’s been difficult. But I feel that, if the stars align, he’ll get it right.

Do you expect United to finish the season with any silverware?

We’re still in the FA Cup, and anything can happen in 90 minutes. Despite my earlier comments, United always have the potential to surprise.

What has been the silver lining in United’s somewhat average season so far?

Kobie Mainoo.

Kenya Manchester United Supporter’s Club

Dhruv Rajah, Head of the Manchester United Supporters Club in Kenya:

How would you sum up Man United’s season so far?

After finishing last season on a relatively high note, I was extremely excited about this season. We brought in reinforcement (not everyone we wanted or needed) but it was a good start. ETH proved himself, and l felt for the first time in ages that we had a manager that would lead us to Glory and stay long term. This season to sum it up has just been so inconsistent, we have been unlucky with injuries for sure but it's like every week we see a new United. I can't see the game plan because it seems to change every game. 

Do you expect United to secure a top five spot this season and qualify for next season’s Champions League?

After the FA cup victory over Liverpool I thought it would trigger and ignite a good run but with the Brentford draw and Chelsea and Liverpool coming up, I think we miss out. I would like to dream that we get these six points and take it to the end. 

How would you rate manager Erik Ten Hag’s performance at United this season?

I am a massive ETH fan, I think his first season was great and there are signs that he is the right man to take us to the top again. However, I now am also questioning the inconsistency every week. Having said that is there a better manager available out there? With Ineos coming in with a proper structure and foundation with a Director of Football. I think we give him time. 

Do you expect United to finish the season with any silverware?

Drawing Coventry was the ideal scenario, I hope that we get into the Final and give it our all. If we carry the same spirit of the quarter final, why not? 

What has been the silver lining in United’s somewhat average season so far?

Ineos take-over, talk of stadium expansion, right top management and the winning mentality. On the pitch, seeing the likes of Garnacho and Mainoo gives me loads of encouragement for the future and our youth development. 

Manchester United Supporters Club of Nigeria

Adebowale Adeboye Adeoye, Founder and coordinator of Manchester United Supporters Club of Nigeria:

How would you sum up Man United’s season so far?

It's been very disappointing; however, we still need to praise the players for readiness to keep pushing to the last match.

Do you expect United to secure a top five spot this season and qualify for next season’s Champions League?

In football, nothing is impossible, provided the players are battle ready and keep showing willingness to fight till the end.

How would you rate manager Erik Ten Hag’s performance at United this season?

Erik Ten Hag has been more inconsistent than his players. He hasn't known his players well, he is not a good risk taker, his human management skill is just on average, but getting better of late. He is yet to understand danger in playing players out of where they have comparative advantage, especially in tough matches.

Do you expect United to finish the season with any silverware?

The FA Cup is still possible for United to win. Man City are beatable if and only if ETH will do what is necessary, at the right time. In particular, starting Bruno from the bench and substitute him at half time, he should stop seeing him as untouchable.

What has been the silver lining in United’s somewhat average season so far?

Injuries forced the coach to try young players, even from academy, that's why Mainoo and others had opportunities to prove themselves. Likewise, Onana, the keeper, had opportunities to improve because at a point he was the only reliable keeper because of injuries in the rest of the team. Injury really affected United this season, but it afforded the young players opportunity to get playing time.

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