Manchester United suffered their first defeat under interim boss Ralf Rangnick on Monday as Wolverhampton Wanderers ran out 1-0 winners at Old Trafford.
Joao Moutinho scored the only goal of the game to earn Wolves their first victory away to Man United for over 40 years.
The defeat leaves the Red Devils in seventh place, four points adrift of the top four, albeit with a game in hand over Arsenal in the final Champions League spot.
Here, the Sports Mole team discuss whether they think Rangnick will steer Man United into the Champions League next season.
© Reuters
Barney Corkhill, Editor
"There have been a few false dawns at Old Trafford already this season; the arrivals of Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and especially Cristiano Ronaldo were meant to catapult them towards a title challenge, and then the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was meant to be the catalyst to unlock the potential of the squad.
"None of that has come to fruition yet, though, and the signs have not been great since Rangnick took over, despite Monday's match being their first defeat.
"With a game in hand and only four points separating them from Arsenal - and the undoubted quality at their disposal - there is no doubt that they have the ability to finish in the top four, but right now Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal look like safer bets."
Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter
"Besides maybe the victory over Burnley, not one Manchester United performance under Ralf Rangnick should inspire confidence within the Old Trafford fanbase. The interim coach may very well be still implementing his ideas onto the squad, but when the desire from the players does not seem to be there, how can they expect to challenge for Champions League football?
"Arsenal have turned their season around, Tottenham Hotspur remain unbeaten under Antonio Conte domestically and West Ham United are capable of turning up the heat when it matters.
"No one can question the talent in Rangnick's ranks, and the gap to the top four could be cut to just one point if they win their game in hand – a very big if – but a Europa League or unfancied Conference League spot is far more realistic. Maybe it would have been worth taking a punt on Michael Carrick for longer."
Marvelous Adepoju, Reporter
"As it stands, United are four points off the top four with a game in hand so it is certainly doable. However, Ralf Rangnick's men have been far from impressive of late so I reckon that they will finish outside the Champions League places. "
James Mackenzie, Reporter
"Man United have made a habit of sneaking into the Champions League one way or another in recent years, even when they didn't appear to be one of the best four sides in the league.
"I don't think they will manage it this season, though. At this point, the top three seems pretty clear and I would back a Conte-led Spurs over the current United side to grab the fourth spot.
"Their main hope might well be a collapse from one of the top sides through a combination of COVID-19, injuries and AFCON."
Sammy Wynne, Reporter
"No. The Wolves defeat last night was Ralf Rangnick's first loss as interim manager but the side have been far from convincing during the German's first month in charge. I think that loss had been coming for a few games.
"At Carrow Road against Norwich they struggled to create chances in front of goal, then Newcastle were arguably the better side at St James' Park and would have taken all three points if it was not for a wonder save from David de Gea.
"What is just as concerning for Man United is that, as Luke Shaw alluded to after Monday's defeat, the side do not look together on the pitch. I do not think that United will be able to compete with West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham for fourth spot as long as issues such as work rate and togetherness are within their camp."
Oliver Thomas, Reporter
"As it stands, Manchester United are four points off the pace with 19 matches still to play, so on paper they still have a great chance of making the top four. However, there are a plethora of problems at Old Trafford and one struggles to put together a decent argument as to why they have a better chance than other Champions League contenders who are currently performing at a higher level.
"Ralf Rangnick has inherited a group of individuals, cherry picked with expensive price tags over the years by his underachieving predecessors. The Red Devils lack cohesion regardless of what system they play. The other top-four contenders may not all have the world-class individuals or the game-changers that United possess, but they at least play as a 'team' and understand their roles.
"The signings of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo – the latter not living up to his GOAT title since returning to Old Trafford – were high-profile additions who were supposed to help United challenge for the title. However, their underwhelming impact, particularly in the Premier League, is struggling to even steer them into the top four.
"Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are three clubs who seem to have a stronger chance of qualifying for the Champions League, while Man United may have to settle for another spell in the Europa League."
Amos Murphy, Reporter
"Manchester United will be lucky to finish in the top half, let alone top four this season.
"A performance so abject, the much-forgotten Phil Jones was able to swan back into the side and pick up a Man of the Match award during his first appearance this side of the pandemic. The UEFA Europa Conference League beckons for Ralf's 'Tricky Reds'."
Joel Lefevre, Reporter
"I do not see Man United finishing in the top four this season. Their confidence is low, and they lack the consistency of the teams above them. They are still searching for their identity.
"If United do finish in a top four position, it would be strictly based on the individual brilliance of Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo. It seems unlikely to me as they are lacking precision in the final third, and it appears as though they are still trying to figure out a new way of playing under Ralf Rangnick."
Olly Allen, Reporter
"Manchester United arguably face three other teams (West Ham, Tottenham and Arsenal) who can be considered as contenders for the final top four place, if we say that Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea seem like certainties. On paper, United have the most quality in their squad but probably the least balance.
"West Ham made a strong start but their lack of experience and squad depth may begin to show in the second half of the season, while Tottenham and Arsenal have both improved in the last couple of months but still seem prone to off days.
"Ultimately it could come down to a club getting a mid-season boost in the January transfer window. If United can bring in a new holding midfielder, I'd say they will be favourites to narrowly claim fourth place."
Sam Varley, Reporter
"The last few games have shown that there is no quick fix for this Manchester United team, and I feel the odds are now firmly stacked against them in the race for the final Champions League spot.
"Following their failures to get over the line against Newcastle and Wolves, I now think there is too much between themselves and the top four for Rangnick's men to creep in, especially given their worrying performances in recent weeks, with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United all displaying far more behind the established top three."
Ben Sully, Reporter
"It may have been Ralf Rangnick's first defeat as United boss on Monday, but despite picking up points, recent performances have been far from convincing.
"United possess some breathtaking talent, but it seems to be a dressing room full of individuals rather than a cohesive unit, which is why I think they will fall short of the top four.
"Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool look set to finish in the top three and I think the remaining Champions League spot will be claimed by either Arsenal or Tottenham.
"In contrast to United, the two North London sides have proved to be organised with the players trusting in one another, and that togetherness is why one of Arsenal and Tottenham will qualify for the Champions League."
No Data Analysis info
