Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted Manchester United can still make top four this season despite the loss to Manchester City at Etihad
United surrendered a narrow 1-0 lead at half-time to stumble to a 3-1 defeat against City.
A second-half brace from Phil Foden canceled out Marcus Rashford’s thunderbolt from 20 yards and completed the turnaround for City.
Erling Haaland sealed the turnaround with a late goal to hand Manchester City a deserved victory and condemn Manchester United to their second consecutive Premier League defeat.
The loss has seen Manchester United’s top-four chances suffer a heavy blow with the club sitting 6th on the Premier League table with 44 points, 11 points adrift of Aston Villa in the fourth place.
However, Erik ten Hag believes the club’s Champions League hopes is still intact despite the heavy setback.
Speaking after the game, Erik ten Hag banked his hopes on a an immediate comeback and insisted United can still gatecrash the Champions League race.
‘It can be a quick turnaround,’ Ten Hag said. ‘We go to another final (against Everton next Saturday) and try to get closer. We have to go for it. We have to win our games.
‘Fifth position can also be a position for Champions League so we have to fight for it. This year on we are really progressing and you have to get some points back. Everyone can beat everyone.’
The top four race is gradually narrowing down to a three-horse race between Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.
Sitting fourth on the table with 55 points, 5 points clear of Tottenham Hotspur, who have a game in hand, Aston Villa are favorites to clinch the the top-four spot
Tottenham Hotspur are second based on odds while Manchester United is the least likely of the three.
United will hope to get back to gears in the race when they take on Everton in their next game at the weekend.
