Manchester United have endured a difficult campaign so far and are unlikely to finish in the top four – but is there still hope for Erik ten Hag’s side?
Manchester United 2023-24 Season So Far
The Red Devils were tipped to be pushing for the league title this season, after a successful opening campaign for Erik ten Hag last year.
United finished third in the Premier league and ended a seven-year wait for silverware, beating Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
However, the 2023-24 season has not gone according to plan for the Red Devils, being eliminated from the Champions League group stage and now sitting eleven points off the top four (as of March 5th 2024).
Losing 11 league games already, United have now lost two more matches than they managed in the entirety of last season.
Injuries have not helped the red half of Manchester, as Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund and Casemiro have missed large parts of the campaign.
United have also suffered some humiliating defeats at home this year, losing to Bournemouth, Brighton, Fulham, Crystal Palace and were thrashed 3-0 by Manchester City.
Pressure has started to build on the Manchester United manager, especially after INEOS finalised their 25% acquisition of the club and are beginning to restructure life at Old Trafford.
The only bright light for the club has been the recent form of Rasmus Hojlund (despite missing the last two matches through injury), as the striker has scored seven goals in his last six league matches.
Can Manchester United Finish In The Top Four?
In order to finish in the top four Manchester United will need to overturn an 11-point gap between themselves and Aston Villa – while also overtaking Spurs.
United sit sixth in the Premier League and are a fair distance of Tottenham in fifth – meaning the chance of finishing fourth is becoming increasingly unlikely.
The Red Devils have a tough run in coming into the latter stages of the Premier League season, as they still have to welcome Liverpool and Arsenal to Old Trafford.
Both of these sides are fighting for the league title, alongside Manchester City and will be confident going to the Theatre of Dreams.
United will need to pick up wins over Chelsea and Newcastle, who could both finish above the Red Devils if results go their way.
Erik ten Hag’s side travel to Brighton for their final game of the season and will be looking to avenge their 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford from August last year.
Manchester United Remaining Premier League Fixtures
Sat 9 March: Everton (H)
Sat 30 March: Brentford (A)
Thu 4 April: Chelsea (A)
Sun 7 April: Liverpool (H)
Sun 14 April: AFC Bournemouth (A)
Sat 20 April: Newcastle United (H)
Sat 27 April: Burnley (H):
Sat 4 May: Crystal Palace (A)
Sat 11 May: Arsenal (A)
Sun 19 May: Brighton & Hove Albion (A)
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