There is still a lot on the line in Manchester United’s final game of the Premier League campaign.
Top four hopes may be a distant memory, but the Erik ten Hag era starts on Sunday. The Dutchman will be at Selhurst Park to watch his new team before his summer arrival.
He will meet with players after the game, by which time he will have an idea what he has to work with. His presence may provide the team an extra honeymoon period, which managers usually only experience after taking the dressing room for the first time.
READ MORE: Erik ten Hag pictured in England for first time since Manchester United appointment
Aside from those scheduled to leave Old Trafford this summer, those on the pitch will be determined to make a marked first impression. This may raise their game as a result.
Anything other than a win for United will open the door for West Ham to steal the final Europa League spot, should they defeat Brighton. But the appearance of Ten Hag could be the catalyst for United ’s seventh away league victory of the season.
They should have enough to beat Palace on paper, but we all know the old adage. The Eagles go into the game on the back of Everton overturning tier 2-0 lead to secure survival on Thursday.
What awaits manager Patrick Vieira after his altercation with a fan amid the ensuing Goodison Park pitch invasion is not yet known, but should a touchline ban be implemented it would only sway the tide further in United’s direction. But even if not, the beady eyes of ten Hag could be enough see United secure sixth spot - and an extra few million pounds.
The 52-year-old will need every penny he can get for this summer’s expected squad revamp. Not only would a Europa Conference League finish dent commercial opportunities but it also shaves around £5m off their Premier League prize money.
Furthermore, Europe’s third-tier competition doesn’t offer the carrot of Champions League football with a win, which would be a superb backdoor entry if a top four place cannot be secured in the new manager’s debut campaign. Sunday is still a significant day for United, and ten Hag knows it.
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