At the end of March, Manchester United was 5th in the league, 4 points behind 4th placed Liverpool. If you didn’t know that already, the top 3 teams in the EPL get a direct spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage while the 4th placed team has to play a qualifier to reach the same. As of now, the highest Manchester United can realistically finish is 3rd but only if both Liverpool and Man City slip in the table. Moreover, United has to win all of its April games to stand a chance of overtaking the aforementioned teams in the league. Let’s now take a look at United’s April games and how it’s likely to fare in them.
In April, Manchester United plays Westbrom at home, Everton at home, and Sunderland. Also, immediately after these games, United has European commitments so these 3 games are probably the best chance United has of making ground on its EPL rivals. The aforementioned games are very much winnable for United. If you think the same, click here to put your money where your mouth is!!
While the three April games are quite winnable for United, the team may suffer because of injuries. Going into April, United is short in midfield and defence. Players who are unlikely to feature for United in April include Jones, Smalling, Fellaini and Pogba. All of these players have played a key role in United’s wins so their absence will be felt by the team. Nonetheless, I expect United to do well in April. Let’s now take a look at each game individually.
United’s April games and its bid for a Champions League spot
West Brom
West Brom is already safe in the league and has little chance of finishing in the European qualification places. Basically, West Brom hasn’t got much to play for. This is likely to work in United’s favour. West Brom’s players will enter old Trafford without much motivation so if United attacks the baggies from the start, it’ll destroy its opponent in no time.
Everton
This could be a tricky game. Everton is aiming for a place in the Europa league next season so it’ll enter the game against United with the same intensity as the latter. Key for United in this game will be Zlatan’s performance. If Zlatan strike fires in the game, United will probably win it. Though, Everton is playing well defensively so Zlatan will have to bring out his A –game to cause any trouble to the opponent.
Sunderland
The last of the United’s EPL games in April is an away game against Sunderland. Sunderland is fighting for survival so this could be United’s toughest game in April. Sunderland will put up a real fight and this could be a scrappy affair. This game will probably be decided by a solitary goal, either way.
When Jose Mourinho took over the reins in June last year, many expected United to be among the top 2 this season. Unfortunately for Man united fans, that hasn’t happened. Nonetheless, United can still finish top 3 and its April games will probably decide its fate this season.
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