Today, prior to the 3-0 win over Sunderland, Mourinho admitted the club is not close to where it needs to be and that reinforcements are needed. The Red Devils are long eliminated from the title race, and face a tough challenge to even qualify for top four.
This despite being undefeated in their last 21 Premier League fixtures. Of course, 10 of those 21 resulted in draws, leaving United around the same spot they were when the unvanquished run began.
They’re now in fifth place, four points off the pace of the top four behind Manchester City, a club with which they have a game in hand. Of course, Arsenal is just three points behind United, and the Gunners have a game in hand on the Red Devils.
With eight games left, half of them will come against teams in the top four race. United will face second place Tottenham Hotspur, league leaders Chelsea, Arsenal and City on the run-in.
After the resounding victory over dead last Sunderland, Mourinho said the win keeps their hopes alive for a top four finish. They will not have to rely on just winning the Europa League as path back into Europe.
Mourinho said: “After Liverpool and Manchester City’s victories, if we didn’t win today it’s almost mathematically impossible [to finish fourth]. It was important for us to win and that was the main objective.
“We did that and, apart from that, there were no more injuries to add to the difficult list we have, because we don’t hide that we are still fighting for our situation in the Premier League.
“But the Europa League becomes fundamental for us, it’s the only competition we can win now. We did the Community Shield, we did the League Cup. The Premier League, no way, so it is our competition to fight for.”
Mourinho had previously stated that if United reached the Europa League round of 8, they would focus more on that path back into Europe’s main event. The Red Devils have now in fact reached that round, and they will resume that competition Thursday.
Europa might still be the easier/more likely way in for Mourinho and his men.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and NBC Chicago.com, contributes to Chicago Tribune.com, Bold, WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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