Manchester United are in prime position to finish second in the Premier League after the recent win over Liverpool and it is vital that the club now ends the season on a high note by holding on to that position.
Boss José Mourinho is currently under pressure after the defeat to Sevilla in the Champions League. While United have lost in the knockout stages in Europe’s elite club competition on a number of occasions during the last decade, it was the manner of the loss that rankled with fans. During both legs of the match, United were complacent and passive, failing to attack the La Liga side with any pace or purpose.
Hopes of European glory are over, but domestic success is still a possibility after United saw off Brighton to advance to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. The 2-1 victory over Liverpool has also put the club in a prime position to secure second spot as they have a two-point advantage over their local rivals with a game in hand. United are also four points and nine points clear of Spurs and Chelsea, respectively.
A top-four spot and qualification for the Champions League next season is likely to be secured with just eight games of the campaign remaining, but United and Mourinho really need to show they are progressing by securing second spot. It is fair to say that it has not been a vintage season, but it would be a blow to other clubs if United finish as runners-up when they are not firing at their best.
Liverpool – Will feel aggrieved if they miss out on second place to United as they have been the next best team to watch after City!
Liverpool, in particular, would be chagrined at the prospect of ending the season behind United, especially as Jürgen Klopp’s team have been scoring goals for fun domestically with the excellent Mohamed Salah weighing in with 28 goals. Klopp has already stated that he is ready to spend big to compete next season, so United need to keep them in check for the time being.
Manchester City are currently cruising to the title, but United could put a marker down for next season by beating them in the upcoming derby on 7th April. David Silva scored the winner for City at Old Trafford in December, but United managed to shut out their near neighbours in the game at the City of Manchester Stadium last season. The Manchester derby is sure to be a popular fixture for punters betting on United in the under or over 2.5 goals market.
Liverpool pose the greatest threat in the race for second then, but Spurs could be a dark horse to make a late run. Mauricio Pochettino’s side will play several sides in the bottom half during the next six weeks, but have been dealt a recent blow with the injury to Harry Kane. Chelsea are also still in contention but are less of a threat right now.
United take on Swansea in the next game and then West Brom after the derby, so the club will be confident of strengthening their position in the coming weeks. While it won’t be a trophy-laden season at Old Trafford, United can boost morale and build a platform for success in 2018/19 by securing second place.
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