London, March 5: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is refusing to give up on Champions League qualification even though his side are now 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa with 11 games left.
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made getting into Europe’s most glamorous competition a priority for the season.But United’s 3-1 defeat at Manchester City means they now need Villa to slip up badly, or for the Premier League to end up with five spots in the expanded competition.Even then, United will need fifth-placed Tottenham to fail as Ange Postecoglou’s side are six points clear, with a game in hand.“It can be a quick turnaround,” said Ten Hag. “We have to go into another final and try and get closer to them.“It can be an advantage that fifth spot can also be a Champions League spot, so we have to go for it and win our games.”United’s task is not helped by the fact they have played both Villa and Tottenham twice, although the pair do face each other at Villa Park next Sunday. United also need to catch Villa or Tottenham, which on this evidence is unlikely. (Agencies)
