Manchester United in the top 4 race is a topic of discussion. This is because there are so many clubs competing with Manchester United for a place in the top 4. These clubs include Arsenal, Spurs, and West Ham. The international break was a good time to analyse how much of a threat these clubs are to Manchester United. Manchester United have beaten all three clubs this season. These wins have contributed to Manchester United’s 38 points in 22 games.
Arsenal
Arsenal is currently 6th in the Premier League with 36 points after 21 games. They have played a game less than Manchester United. The Gunners are a threat to Manchester United’s top four chances because they are not in Europe or any other competition. This means they can focus more on the Premier League. Manchester United don’t rotate and have lost some players this transfer window. This could be detrimental deeper in the season as they are still in the FA Cup and Champions League. When Arsenal played Manchester United at Old Trafford they lost 3-2. This result shows they can compete with teams for a place in the top four. Arsenal have had some good runs of form this season which reinforces the idea they are capable of competing.
Spurs
Spurs are currently 7th in the Premier League with 36 points after 20 games. They have played two fewer games then Manchester United. Spurs can get top four because they arguably have a better manager in Antonio Conte. Conte is no stranger to success winning the league in England and Italy. Spurs are also a threat because they are not playing in Europe. This means they can focus more on the Premier League. The signings made in the January transfer window reinforce the idea they are best equipped to mount a top four challenge. This is because the signings of Bentancur and Kulusevski improve Conte’s side.
West Ham
West Ham is 5th in the Premier League with 37 points after 23 games. They have played a game more than Manchester United. The Hammers can challenge Manchester United’s top four chances because they aren’t under the same pressure which, is an advantage because playing under less pressure will mean they are less likely to make mistakes. Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio can cause any team fighting for the Premier League problems. The Hammers came unstuck when the faced the Red Devils at Old Trafford recently. Rashford’s 93rd minute, stoppage time winner against West Ham sent the 75,000 Old Trafford crowd into frenzy. West Ham will be boosted by the fact they have players back from injury apart from Ogbonna. This is because they will have a better chance of being competitive with their strongest team.
Wolves
Wolves currently sit 8th in the Premier League with 34 points after 21 games. They have played a game less than Manchester United. Wolves can get top four because they have proved they can cause problems for United and other teams fighting for top four. Both games against Wolves were difficult for the Red Devils this season. The Red Devils won 0-1 at the Molineux but lost 0-1 at Old Trafford. Joao Moutinho struck eight minutes from time to secure the impressive victory for Wolves at Old Trafford. One issue for Wolves in the top four race is the fact that key player Adama Traore went out on loan to Barcelona. This is because he posed many problems for opposition defenders.
Conclusion
The biggest threat to Manchester United’s top four hopes is Spurs. This is because they have the best manager out of the teams competing with United for a place in the top four. Another reason is because they arguably have the best players out of the teams competing with United for top four. On their day Harry Kane and Son can single handedly decide a game. Wolves and West Ham aren’t as much as a threat to top 4 because they don’t have the experience in this position and Arsenal aren’t as much as a threat due to the fact they don’t have the same quality of players.