Manchester United have already enjoyed a great campaign but it won't count for much if they slip at the end.
Erik ten Hag has transformed the club from the toxic, disorganised rabble he inherited by bringing discipline, optimism and excitement back to Old Trafford. The manager has already exceeded the expectations placed upon him by ending United's long wait for a trophy with the Carabao Cup and there could be more to come in the FA Cup and Europa League.
The most important objective he was tasked with was securing a top-four finish and ensuring a return to the Champions League. It's crucial for the next stage in Ten Hag's project in order to be able to be in the race for the highest calibre of players, such as Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Jude Bellingham, so they can finally launch a genuine title challenge.
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United are certainly on course to return to Europe's top competition and actually have two routes of getting there should they win the Europa League. But Ten Hag will undoubtedly be wanting to have it all sewn up before any potential final in Budapest.
United currently sit in third on 50 points and are in better form than the teams immediately below them. Tottenham, who have been thrown into turmoil thanks to Antonio Conte's recent outburst, are fourth on 49 points but have played two games more than United.
Newcastle United have dropped off in 2023 after their great start to the season but seem to be getting a second wind and pushing hard on Spurs. They are only two points behind and also have a couple of games in hand.
The rest of the chasing pack makes for interesting reading and three teams will still be hopeful of a string of wins catapulting them up the table and in with a chance of sneaking into the top four. Liverpool, Brighton and Brentford occupy 6th-8th place in the table and all are currently sitting on 42 points. All of them also have games in hand with Brighton actually having played three games fewer than Spurs and would leapfrog them if they picked up all nine points.
It's got the makings of a really interesting run-in and United will have to make sure they remain consistent so they keep hold of third and don't risk getting dragged into a dogfight with five other sides.
But how do you think the season will shake out? MEN Sport has created a widget in which you can predict the result of every remaining Premier League fixture and then see where everyone stands once the season has concluded. Will United finish the season on a high and return to the Champions League?
Have a go below!
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