Manchester United are not consistent in their performance and Aston Villa manager really mean the Champions league zone and they will do anything to get that ticket, am even surprised when you are taking of Manchester United what about Tottenham Hotspur that are closer in time of getting the tickets, i don't see any hope for Manchester United for securing that position, they are six points away from that place, if Manchester United play their 29th match and win the point will reduce to three points and if Tottenham win too and have many goals they will have the same point and also take that position because of the goals different, right now i will say fourth place is for three teams which are Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester United, let see who win it finally.
The reason why Manchester United is inconsistent is because many of their players are injured, making it difficult for coaches to rotating players. Manchester United's defensive line was really inconsistent because they had to lose several important players in the squad. Manchester United and Tottenham will fight to finish in fourth place but they must chase points from Aston Villa.
Tottenham has the opportunity to catch up because currently they are only three points behind Aston Villa, while Manchester United has a slightly further distance, so it will be quite difficult for them to qualify for the Champions League zone.
Manchester United should abolish any thought of qualifying for next season champions league. They Haven't really played that well this campaign to deserve a top 4 finish. Besides Aston Villa and Tottenham will stand as a hindrance. If they can secure an Europa league finish it is a good season for them. It will be much more better if they can also get to the FA cup final and eventually win it. The coach should prioritize winning the FA cup and Europa league spot, over a top 4 finish. I can bet on Tottenham that they will finish in the top 4. If they can find that their early season form, they will dislodge Aston Villa from the top 4.