Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has claimed that Newcastle United "deserve to finish in the top four" ahead of his old side Tottenham Hotspur come May.
Newcastle have two games in hand over Tottenham - who currently occupy fourth place - and sit just two points behind the North London outfit with just 12 games left to play. Arsenal and Manchester City have all but confirmed their place in the Champions League next season, while Man United, Spurs, Newcastle, Liverpool and Brighton are among those battling it out for the remaining two spots.
And now Berbatov has claimed that the Magpies deserve to play in Europe's premier competition next term ahead of their clash with Man United at the resumption of Premier League action after the international break.
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“As I played for Manchester United I’m sometimes a little bit biased," Berbatov told Betfred. "Putting bias aside however, they’re [Man United are] one point ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and three ahead of Newcastle United but as Tottenham have played two more games, as long as Manchester United can be consistent, then their job will become a lot easier.
"I do believe they’ll still finish in the top four based purely on the work I’ve seen on the pitch and you can see what Erik ten Hag wants from his players and I do believe they’ll qualify for the Champions League.
“In my opinion, Newcastle United deserve to finish in the top four this season alongside Manchester United. Tottenham, as always, have had a lot of ups and downs but they’re still there, hanging around. Liverpool are also in the race and they shouldn’t be underestimated but I certainly believe Manchester United will be one of the teams that will qualify for Champions League football.”
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