Man Utd face Arsenal in the Premier League and Gary Neville has given his match preview.
United initially targeted a top-six finish in the Premier League this campaign, but there is a new belief they could go even better and secure Champions League qualification. A top-four finish is certain to guarantee a place in the Champions League next season, but a fifth-place finish might also be enough due to the current Uefa coefficient rankings.
Club great Neville believes his former side has what it takes to go one and do that this season, as long as they keep their new midfield partnership fit. Kobbie Mainoo will make his second league start of the campaign when United face Arsenal on Sunday afternoon and the former defender believes his partnership with Casemiro will be crucial to those Champions League hopes.
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Gary Neville gives Champions League verdict
Speaking ahead of Manchester United's clash with Arsenal in the Premier League, Gary Neville gave his verdict on their Champions League hopes: "I think everyone is looking forward to this afternoon. There is a feeling, even among Arsenal fans, that this is more of a game than it was 10 days ago," he told Sky Sports. "We’ve said before that United have had the opportunity to go into the top four but there's no doubt the teams around them are struggling at the moment.
"Liverpool last night, what a soft underbelly they’ve developed in the last few months. We were so critical of United for dropping points against teams like Burnley and Bournemouth. Now Liverpool have gone and done it and they’re the reigning champions, so they have to pick up their fair share of criticism. I think it was a really poor result for them last night. They looked a bit soft and not there. You’ve been able to get at them all season.
"That should really lift United today, however this is as tough as it gets. So, for United today, I wouldn't say it's a free hit, but there’s an element of being quite relaxed, with a bit more optimism and a bit more confidence that they are going to put on a good performance and make it a tough game for Arsenal.
"The league at the moment is chaotic. You don't know what is going to happen. Apart from maybe Arsenal, everyone is dropping points you think they shouldn't drop. It's a massive chance for Michael Carrick and Manchester United because if you think about the points they did drop against Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth, Leeds, Wolves, they should be well out of it, but they are right in it.
"There’s a massive chance for them to go and finish in the top four or five, if they can get De Ligt fit, if they can keep Maguire and Martinez fit. Up front with Mount, Fernandes, Mbeumo, Amad, Cunha, Sesko, you've got six players there that will cause problems to other teams and score goals. It’s about making sure that Kobbie Mainoo slots back in alongside Casemiro. If they can provide some comfort in front of the defence, it’s not ridiculous to start thinking Man Utd should finish in the top four this season."
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