A MIRACLE IF WE GET FOURTH

Jose believes that Champions League qualification would be United triumph

JOSE MOURINHO has admitted it will be “a miracle” if Manchester United finish in the top four this season.

United are in seventh place, 16 points behind leaders Manchester City and eight adrift of fourthplaced Arsenal.

If United lose to the Gunners at Old Trafford tomorrow, they could be 11 points off fourth, with Mourinho conceding they will need a miracle to finish in the Champions League places. “Last year I said that

being in second place was a fantastic thing, due to the qualities we had compared to the qualities of the other teams that are fighting for the top four,” he said.

“This year, with more problems, we have had proof of what I said at the start of the season – that it would be a very difficult season.

“The aim is to try to win as many points as possible and try almost a miracle to finish fourth.”

United have endured their worst start to a domestic league campaign since 1990, having lost four of their opening 14 games, winning just six.

Mourinho’s lamentable side have a goal difference of minus one and have scored just eight goals in six Premier League games at home this season.

Failure to beat resurgent Arsenal would pile further pressure on Mourinho, with David Moyes and Louis van Gaal sacked after failing to make the top four. United could be without as many as eight defenders tomorrow.