Bruno Fernandes sent a message to his Manchester United teammates as they renewed their top four hopes in the Premier League.
29.03.2022 - 08:03 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
It's no exaggeration to say that the final nine games of the season for Manchester United may well define how their summer transfer window and the next few seasons play out. They really are that important.
The Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford prior to the international break ended United's final faint hope of ending their five-year trophy drought this season and the only thing they have left to play for is qualifying for next year's edition of the European competition. For a club that had aspirations of challenging for the Premier League title ahead of the season, it really is a sobering position to be in, but that doesn't make it any less crucial.
Should United fail to qualify for Europe's biggest competition then their summer recruitment plans, for a manager and for players, will likely take a hit, as the club will become even less attractive a proposition. A return to Thursday night football may also make some of the players already at the club consider their future and look for a move elsewhere. It's certainly difficult seeing Cristiano Ronaldo lining up in the Europa League.
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It's a very real possibility that could prove costly as, at this juncture, Ralf Rangnick's side don't look like climbing back into the top four. Arsenal currently hold the spot with a four-point lead over United as well as a game in hand. The Gunners have hit their stride under Mikel Arteta and his young, exciting team are now the favourites to clinch the final Champions League space.
United are even below the other team from north London, Tottenham Hotspur, by a point as Antonio Conte seems to finally be getting a tune out of his side. Both
Bruno Fernandes sent a message to his Manchester United teammates as they renewed their top four hopes in the Premier League.
Paul Pogba has spoken out for the first time since being booed by Manchester United fans during the club’s 3-2 win over Norwich.
Manchester United fans gathered in force on Saturday to protest the Glazer ownership. Organised by fan group The 1958, the aim was to march against the club's ownership due to broken promises in the wake of the failed European Super League over a year ago.
Cristiano Ronaldo needed only seven minutes to make his mark against Norwich as the Manchester United striker moved past Harry Kane in the Premier League goal-scoring charts. Ronaldo opened the scoring at Old Trafford with his 13th goal of the domestic campaign - and it was soon followed by a 14th.
Manchester United currently sit six points from fourth-placed Tottenham with seven games to go in the race for the top four.
Robert Lewandowski joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in an exclusive Champions League club on Tuesday night.
The Premier League title is still up for grabs after the two main contenders squared off at the Etihad on Sunday. Liverpool twice came from behind to claim a 2-2 draw with Manchester City to remain a point behind the Blues at the top of the table with seven games to go.
Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick believes it would be a "nice idea" if a stop-clock system was introduced to the football laws to try and increase the amount of time that the ball is actually in play - but has conceded that it is unlikely.
Erik ten Hag will have to create a united spirit and siege mentality if he is succeed as Manchester United's next permanent manager.
Everything else may be going wrong for Manchester United and has been doing so for some time but even still the club remains at the cutting edge of youth development and continues to produce a never-ending stream of talented players.
Gary Neville feels the top four is now out of reach for Manchester United. The Reds legend was critical of Ralf Rangnick's side as they laboured to a 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Saturday.
Paul Merson believes Manchester United can challenge for the Premier League title next season if they sign Harry Kane, although he doubts whether he will leave Tottenham.
Edinson Cavani is Manchester United's only injury concern ahead of their match with Leicester in the Premier League this weekend. The Uruguayan forward picked up an injury while away on international duty and could be out for as long as five weeks.
Midfielder Nemanja Matic has admitted that he believes Manchester United will have to win "almost every game" if they are to win the race for the final top-four berth this season.
Here are your Manchester United morning headlines for Friday, April 1.
The Premier League has confirmed clubs will be allowed to make five substitutions from next season.
Manchester United linked pair Declan Rice and Harry Kane have moved to defend Harry Maguire after the £80million man was booed by England supporters at Wembley on Tuesday night. Before the win over Ivory Coast, the United captain was strangely jeered when his name was read out prior to kick-off.
Stan Collymore believes Arsenal will "choke" during the Champions League run-in and hand a top-four spot to either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur.
Once this current international break reaches its conclusion, it will full steam ahead until the end of the Premier League season.