Time running out for United Euro hopes
MANCHESTER United’s hopes of finishing sixth in the Premier League are dangling by a thread after defeat to Arsenal yesterday.
The Gunners took the lead inside 20 minutes as an easy move saw United caught out and Leandro Trossard fire in from close range. Amad had timid appeals for a penalty waved away 15 minutes later when he went down under a Thomas Partey challenge.
United’s defeat means they are three points behind their rivals Newcastle and Chelsea in the race for sixth with two games remaining and with an inferior goal difference too.
MEN Sport has ranked United’s remaining fixtures compared to Newcastle and Chelsea.
UNITED’S PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
NEWCASTLE UTD (H) – WEDNESDAY MAY 15
Eddie Howe’s men are finishing the campaign strong as they look to qualify for the Europa League. They are currently the favourites to land that spot ahead of Chelsea and the Reds.
Ten Hag will be hopeful his team can muster a better performance than what they managed during the Carabao Cup defeat against Newcastle earlier in the season.
BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION (A) – SUNDAY, MAY 19
In the last two seasons, trips to Brighton have not been happy occasions for the Reds as they lost both without scoring. There is little evidence to suggest that the outcome will be any more positive on the final day.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
MANCHESTER UNITED (A) – WEDNESDAY, MAY 15
Newcastle have sixth place in their own hands and they will fancy their chances against Ten Hag’s team. Howe’s side have recovered after a shaky start and will be buoyed by their last visit to Old Trafford.
BRENTFORD (A) – SUNDAY, MAY 19
The Bees have nothing left to play for but will be hoping to finish their season, which has been threatened by Premier League relegation, on a high. However, with Newcastle more than likely to be needing a result, they will be the favourites.
CHELSEA
BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION (A) – WEDNESDAY, MAY 15
Chelsea have hit form at an ideal time and know a victory will put them in with a strong shout of finishing sixth. Mauricio Pochettino’s side showed plenty of grit at Nottingham Forest on Saturday and they will be eager to keep that form going against the Seagulls, who could well be on the beach.
AFC BOURNEMOUTH (H) – SUNDAY, MAY 19
Unlike their other rivals for sixth, Chelsea have the advantage of being at home on the final day. The Cherries have nothing to play for either after a good campaign.
While they won’t roll over for the Blues, surely Chelsea will fancy their chances.