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Man United chances are very low of reaching the top four of the standings and finishing there when the season ends. They have a better chance of finishing in the Europa League zone, it is already difficult to overtake Tottenham and Aston Villa, these two clubs have a better chance of getting tickets to the Champions League next season. Although Aston Villa and Tottenham lost points, it is not certain that Man United will be consistent in the remaining matches ahead. Player injury problems are one of the causes of their inconsistency this season, not to mention other internal problems involving players and coaches, which has caused Man United to experience a setback this season.
It is indeed too late for Man United to realize their ambition of finishing in the top four of the standings. Defeat by Fulham at Old Trafford in week 26, then continuing to be defeated by Man City in week 27, marks Man United chances of reaching the League Champions zone has finished. It's true that the difference in points is still very likely to be reduced, but I haven't seen any signs of a significant improvement in performance within the Ten Hag squad. The victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup cannot be used as a complete reference for Man United next match.
Of course it is difficult for Manchester United to finish in the Champions League zone this season, but that does not mean it is impossible. Tottenham's performance is currently inconsistent and if Manchester United manages to take advantage of that, then I'm sure Ten Hag can realize his plans to return to the Champions League next season. Of course it is not easy to keep winning matches every week, I admit it is difficult, especially when Manchester United meets tough opponents like Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Arsenal.
Ten Hag needs to try as hard as possible to win every point from all the matches in the remaining season, even if they have to lose some tough matches but Manchester United must take advantage of other opportunities to get ahead of Tottenham. So far Tottenham and Aston Villa are not safe in the Champions League zone, so I think there is still a chance to complete that plan this season.