After a disappointing exit from the FA Cup, former midfielder Owen Hargreaves has shared his predictions on what’s in store for Manchester United.
Manchester United are now only competing in the Premier League for the remainder of the season as Brighton put an end to their FA Cup dreams.
The Reds faced a 2-1 defeat to Fabian Hurzeler’s side in a dramatic clash at Old Trafford. 18-year-old Shea Lacey only further tarnished United’s game after he was sent off just 27 minutes after coming off the bench, leaving United to play stoppage time with just 10 men.
Brajan Gruda helped the Seagulls take the lead in the first quarter of the game, with former United striker Danny Welbeck capitalising on their lead in the second half of the game.
Despite a late second-half goal from Benjamin Sesko, United were unable to sort out an equaliser, knocking out the club with the most FA Cup titles to their name.
Champions League can turn United’s season around
The beginning of the season saw Manchester United’s schedule cleared to just one match a week after a shocking loss to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup. The FA Cup provided a hopeful route for the club to progress in another competition; however, the club will have to keep their focus solely on the Premier League.
With the Red Devils winless in their last three games, Darren Fletcher needs to put all his focus into gaining points and get United to start climbing up the standings, with the club currently sitting 7th in the table.
TNT Sports Pundit Owen Hargreaves spoke on the matter, remaining hopeful that Man United can turn their season around, make it into the top four by the end of the season, and secure the chance to play Champions League football next season.
“They are only three points off fourth; they should get Champions League football,” he said. “They are the only team in there that doesn’t have any European competition.
“They’ve got one game a week, they can be well rested, they can work on things on the training pitch. I genuinely believe they should.”
United’s defence needs immediate fixing
While the pressure of other European competitors is not an issue for United, Hargreaves’ prediction may not become a reality with the club in an incredibly chaotic period of time.
Last week saw head coach Ruben Amorim sacked, leaving United with Darren Fletcher as the current interim manager as the club assesses future candidates for the role.
A lot of pressure has been mounted on the former midfielder’s shoulders as the club is set to host Premier League rivals Manchester City in a heated Derby day clash.
The following weekend also sees United with an incredibly challenging fixture as they take a trip to North London facing top of the table Arsenal at the Emirates.
With both of these teams incredibly difficult to face, Hargreaves pointed out an issue he believes United needs to focus on to ensure they progress rather than fall in the league. To ensure a spot in the top four, United need to work with their defence.
“They have enough firepower; they are the third-highest scorers,” he added. “They concede too many goals. That is the biggest issue they have. So, going to a back four might help.
“But I do think they have the personnel to finish in the top five, and I think they should with the personnel they have.”
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