Paul Ince has reminded Manchester United that the race for top four is not yet over with Liverpool making up ground.
Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Brighton means United sit in fourth, just four points above Liverpool although they have a game in hand. Meanwhile the Seagulls themselves are eight points adrift of the four top four but have two games in hand. United are still favourites to qualify for the Champions League along with Newcastle with five Premier League matches left to play.
A trip to West Ham is next with Wolves, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham their remaining opponents. Speaking on Sky Sports, Ince warned United that the race for the Champions League is not yet over and Liverpool may fancy their chances if Erik ten Hag cannot manufacture a win at the London Stadium on Sunday.
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The former midfielder - who played for both clubs - said: "Listen, it’s not over yet. We spoke to Ten Hag about how important it is to get them into the Champions League, Liverpool are four points behind them now.
“United have got a game in hand, but they’ve got to go to West Ham which is never an easy place to go. So, there’ll be a little glimmer in Liverpool’s eyes at the moment."
Ahead of the game, Ten Hag underlined the importance of United qualifying for the Champions League, hinting that transfer interest in the club has already increased as a result of their current position.
"All the big players want to play in the Champions League," Ten Hag said. "Manchester United is a big club. In the period I've been here, I've noticed everyone wants to play for Manchester United.
"Now it looks like we are in the Champions League, there is even more interest because they know we are in the Champions League and the Premier League at a high level. So, qualification will be important.
“It's very important for the rebuild of this club that we are in the Champions League. The players know they want to be in the Champions League, they want to be at the top of the Premier League."
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