Alan Smith believes Man Utd have what it takes to finish in the top 4/5 this season.
Michael Carrick’s side moved up to fourth in the table with their win against Arsenal last weekend, and asked by Best Betting Sites UK how high up the Red Devils could finish, Smith replied:
“Top four is definitely achievable. You look at the way Carrick’s changed things around. Square pegs in square holes, and people enjoying the football and coming out like Kobbie Mainoo now. He’s looking like the player he was before, when he was in the England team. Dorgu, unfortunately, looks like he’s got an injury, but he’s been flying, whereas before, his manager said he looked a bit nervous.”
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“They’re probably competing with Liverpool and Chelsea, aren’t they, for that fourth place? And it might go to five for the Champions League. But I think they’ve got every chance of getting it. Listen, going on Carrick’s first two games, they’ve got every chance of getting that fourth spot.”
What are the current standings?
Man Utd are on 38 points after 23 games. They are a point ahead of Chelsea in fifth and two points above Liverpool in sixth.
Considering both of those teams will be competing in the knockout stages of the Champions League, as well as participating in the FA Cup, Carrick’s men will have a big advantage in terms of having a full week’s preparation for most upcoming fixtures.
What do Opta say about Man Utd’s Champions League prospects?
The statisticians have given the Red Devils a 23.73% chance of making the top 4/5, which is still below Chelsea (39.3%) and Liverpool (33/13%), but their odds are considerably better than they were even a few weeks ago.
Of course, a lot still hinges on Carrick maintaining this very strong start to life as interim manager, but the signs are looking good for United returning to Europe’s top competition next season.
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