Diogo Dalot has claimed Manchester United knew securing Champions League football this season 'would be a battle'. After months of sustained progress, it seemed almost certain that United would comfortably finish in the top four this season, but as a result of a few regressive performances, the Reds have moved down to fourth in the table on 50 points.
United were defeated 2-0 against Newcastle at St. James' Park on Sunday afternoon and that result meant the Magpies moved up to third thanks to their superior goal difference, something which could play a part in deciding the European places.
Tottenham, who are fifth, are also a single point behind United and they could move ahead if they win on Monday night.
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The race for the top four in the Premier League has suddenly opened up again and Dalot suggested it was always going to be a 'battle', despite Champions League football looking like it was guaranteed just over a month ago.
"He is [Saint Maximin] a little bit unpredictable, but I think we can also do better not to let him switch play so often," Dalot told MUTV when discussing United's defeat and his difficult afternoon against the tricky winger.
"Through the right and through the left, they could also find space in the middle, but I think everybody showed desire when it was time to defend. Everybody was helping each other and unfortunately, we couldn't get the clean sheet. Overall, it's disappointment but we have to look at it as a lesson and try to react on Wednesday [against Brentford].
"I think it's good in football that we have an opportunity to react. We have no time to think too much about it, we have to think about Brentford, everybody recovers and be mentally and physically fresh for a good opponent.
"We have to control that game and win. We knew it was going to be a battle [top four], we have to have to focus on ourselves. We know it's about us, if we control games and play as we can, we can win every game.
"That is our aim and we have to show that consistency on the pitch - we want a reaction on Wednesday."
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