Top 4 Should Be Secured Now

When the final whistle blew in the match against Brighton and Hove Albion in the early hours of Monday morning, I was regretting the decision to wake up to watch this match. After looking at the standings, I decided I was not waking up to watch United play in the early hours of the morning unless it is in the Europa League or if it’s against a big team. It looks like we have secured Top 4 for the season unless there is an almighty collapse between now and the end of the season. I am not putting it beyond this team for a collapse like that but I am fairly confident we have done enough to secure a spot in the Champions League next season.


We did the bare minimum to beat Brighton after a bright start to the game. We lost our way after being stunned by Danny Welbeck’s opening goal. Marcus Rashford didn’t do much in the game until the opportunity came for his equaliser. It was a very well-taken goal but he limped off not too long after scoring. With seven minutes left, Mason Greenwood scored our winner and there could not be a more deserving player to score. He was one of our best players. Pre-game, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer announced that Anthony Martial might miss the rest of the season with an injury. I don’t think many fans will cry about it considering that he hasn’t set the world alight with his performances this season. Rashford’s injury is a concern though. He has been one of our better players this season. Eric Bailly is also out due to COVID which is such rotten luck on his part. Always look forward to seeing him play.


We are second, eleven points behind Manchester City. It would be good if we can somehow end the season with a single-digit deficit over City and win the Europa League. Advocates of progress would point out the number of points we have made up on Liverpool from last season. But are we really the second-best team in the league? I am not entirely convinced. I will leave my judgement and analysis on this matter to the end of the season. I will just say that the football we watch is not great but effective. We get by in games. There is a feeling of hopelessness and disillusionment right now on the team and the football. I don’t get excited when I think of an upcoming United match.



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