'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
With Manchester United having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Arsenal, qualification for Champions League is the only target left for Louis van Gaal. It was the target which was considered the bare minimum for the Dutch maestro when he took over the coveted job last July.Failure to qualify for the Champions League after spending an astounding £150 million would put his position in jeopardy. United’s recent league form has been reasonably good as they have won their last two league matches to stay in fourth place with 53 points.It has been said that 72 points would be enough to secure the fourth spot, which means that the Old Trafford based club need a minimum of 19 points from their remaining ten fixtures. This will be an uphill task, as United have to face all the six teams that finished ahead of them last season in the remaining matches.Here, we take a game-by-game look to see what results Manchester United can realistically secure in the remaining matches to finish in the top four:
#1 Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur (March 15)
After last week's FA Cup disappointment, Louis van Gaal will be hoping for the Red Devils to bounce back immediately and stabilize their position in the top four. It will not be easy for United, particularly considering recent history, as Tottenham have won on their last two visits to Old Trafford.
Keeping in-form Spurs duo of Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen quiet will boost their chances of a positive result. United's home record is pretty impressive as they have lost just twice and held Chelsea to a draw in the other game. So, Manchester United will back themselves to get all three points from this match, but it will be a challenging task.
Verdict: Manchester United win – The Red Devils should nick a win over Tottenham, considering their home form, and the fact that they will be looking to bounce back from their loss to Arsenal
#2 Liverpool vs Manchester United (March 22)
After their humiliating defeat to Liverpool last seaon, Manchester United got some much needed revenge by defeating Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford last November. However, that result will prove useless if United were to lose at Anfield and end up finishing outside the top four.
The form table will definitely show Liverpool to be the favourites for this clash, and deservedly so. However, knowing the importance of this fixture in determining the final outcome, the Red Devils must focus on not losing this match.
The game is an example of what is commonly referred to as a six-pointer, as a defeat will not only see United lose three points, but will also see Liverpool gaining three points on them, who are a direct rival for the top four positions.
Verdict: Liverpool win – Manchester United have been too erratic of late, while Liverpool have been on a roll, hence it should be a win for the Merseyside team.
#3 Manchester United vs Aston Villa (April 4)
No matter how poor Manchester United are playing, this fixture should be regarded as a comfortable three-pointer for the Reds. However, United should not forget the reverse fixture, when they failed to take advantage of the fact that Villa were reduced to ten-men in the second half and could only manage a draw.
However, there has been a world of difference between the Red Devils’ home and away form this season. Hence, playing at Old Trafford will be a big plus. Also with the way both teams are playing now, United should comfortably get the three points. Anything but that and fans all over the world will start fretting.
Verdict: Manchester United win – The home team should win despite the fact that Aston Villa are on a good run of form, having won their last two games under new manager Tim Sherwood.
#4 Manchester United vs Manchester City (April 12)
Manchester United's recent record in the Manchester derby has been miserable. City have gone back with the win on their last three visits to Old Trafford and five of the last six games between these two have resulted in the Blue half of Manchester rejoicing.
However, their recent form hasn’t been great, and the Red Devils would be looking to capitalise on the same and get a much needed win. Given how both teams are playing, it doesn’t look like an easy match for either one of them.
Verdict: Draw – With both teams not at theur fluent best, this match should be an exciting affair, but will most likely end as a draw.
#5 Chelsea vs Manchester United (April 18)
This is another match were not many will be placing bets on Manchester United getting a positive result. Considering the contrasting fortunes both clubs are experiencing, the needle will definitely point towards a Chelsea victory.
United though, can take a lot of heart from the reverse fixture when they snatched a late equaliser to avoid defeat at Old Trafford. This match also depends a lot on their previous week's result against City.
If the Red Devils beat their derby rivals at home, then they will enter into the game against the Londoners with a lot of momentum. However, if they end up losing to City, then they will be in a must win situation when they travel to London.
Verdict: Chelsea win – Although they have been eliminated from the Champions League, the Blues will look to cement the Premier League title, and will go on the offensive till the end of the season, and would be a handful for United to handle.
#6 Everton vs Manchester United (April 26)
Goodison Park was where David Moyes’ disastrous 10-month spell in charge of Manchester United came to an abrupt end. Van Gaal will be aware of that situation, and would look to ensure that his team do well in the build-up to this match to see that they finish in the top four.
Considering that their away form this season has been dismal, a victory at Goodison Park may not be very easily achieved.
However, with Everton having struggled so far in the campaign, this should be three points for United if they keep their shape defensively.
Verdict: Draw – A draw might not be a great result, but it looks like the most probable result, what with the Red Devils struggling on their travels and Everton enduring a season to forget.
#7 Manchester United vs West Bromwich Albion (May 2)
This is another must win game for Manchester United in order to secure their top four spot. West Brom may not be an easy team to face especially since Tony Pulis, who won the Barclays Manager of the Month award for February, took charge.
Irrespective of the tough test Tony Pulis’ side will offer, United need to win the game. What will add to the drama around this fixture would be the status of West Brom’s future in the Premier League. If they secure their safety by that stage, then the Old Trafford outfit will have a greater chance of getting a positive result in the match without much trouble.
Verdict: Manchester United win – With the match at Old Trafford, this should be a comfortable win for Man United.
#8 Crystal Palace vs Manchester United (May 9)
Crystal Palace have been a team transformed by their new manager, Alan Pardew. Since he assumed the position of manager, Palace have shown more ambition in their matches, and have played very well at home. They have almost secured Premier League football for another season, and look set to continue their rise.
Considering that Manchester United got a good win at Selhurst Park last season, they would look to go into this fixture with optimism. Also taking into account the fact that the match comes at the fag end of the season, it is quite possible that with their status secured and a push for European football far-fetched, Palace might take it a little easy, which could play into United’s hands.
Verdict: Manchester United win – The Red Devils will look to consolidate their position in the top four, and will probably have more at stake at that stage of the season, and so an away victory looks the most possible outcome.
#9 Manchester United vs Arsenal (May 16)
This could very well be the game that seals who finishes in the top four. If all the teams maintain their current positions, then the result of this match may very well go on to decide who will make it to the Champions League and the Europa League. Hence, the Gunners’ visit to Old Trafford may feel like a final for the Reds.
Having suffered a defeat at the hands of Arsenal recently in the FA Cup at home, United would be gunning for revenge, and would want to seal their participation in the Champions League with a comprehensive win over their old rivals.
Verdict: Manchester United win – The Red Devils will go into this fixture having been hurt by the manner of their defeat in the prevous game against Arsenal, and would want to make amends. The fact that Arsenal could potentially be just a point ahead at that stage will provide added motivation, and United can be expected to continue their good form, get a win and move ahead of them.
#10 Hull City vs Manchester United (May 24)
In the return fixture, United enjoyed a comfortable victory at Old Trafford. The manner in which Hull are struggling this campaign, the Red Devils will go into this match as favourites, and a lot will depend on what Hull’s status is come the last day of the season.
If Steve Bruce's side secure their Premier League survival by that stage, the match will have a party atmosphere. As a result, United can go into this match and walk away with three easy points. However, if Hull are still fighting for their safety on the last day, it would be good for United if their position in the top four is safe prior to the game.
Verdict: Manchester United win – Despite the fact that their away form has been patchy, Manchester United should register a comfortable win against Hull City.
