It has not been an inspirational season for Manchester United by any stretch of the imagination. United were pegged by the best Australian betting sites and bookmakers around the world to mount a title challenge and go deep into multiple cup competitions, but they have belied the pre-season odds.
Despite an eye-catching recruitment campaign in the summer, the Red Devils could miss out on a top-four finish in the Premier League while they are already out of the Champions League.
A potential failed attempt to ensure Champions League football for next season could be a complete disaster for Ralf Rangnick’s side as we take a look at Man United’s upcoming fixtures in April.
Leicester City
Leicester City’s visit to Old Trafford in the first post-international matchday will serve to get Man United’s Premier League April action underway.
Brendan Rodgers’ men picked up some steam going into March’s international break, recording three wins from four league matches (L1) to reinforce their bid to ensure another top-half finish.
Despite experiencing a disappointing domestic season by their standards, the Foxes could prove a formidable task, having won both previous top-flight meetings with United.
Everton
A week after their home clash against Leicester, the Red Devils will reunite with Donny van de Beek when they meet Everton at Goodison Park.
The Dutchman has shown glimpses of his potential since swapping Old Trafford for Frank Lampard’s side in the January transfer window and he could still have future in Manchester (via Daily Mirror).
Alex Iwobi’s late winner may have fired Everton to a narrow 1-0 win over Newcastle United last time out, but they are still frantically looking over their shoulders.
With only three points separating them from 18th-placed Watford, the Toffees will look to get a result against a Man United side they held to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in October.
Norwich City
If Man United are to strengthen their grip on Champions League qualification, beating relegation-threatened Norwich City at Old Trafford is a must.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s late penalty handed Rangnick’s side a 1-0 win at Carrow Road, leaving a bitter taste in Dean Smith’s mouth as the Canaries lost despite showing resilience at the back.
Another similar performance could pay dividends at Old Trafford, as United proved unable to overcome defensive-minded sides, as witnessed by a recent goalless home draw to Watford.
Anything other than a victory could be detrimental to the Red Devils’ hopes of pipping Arsenal to a coveted fourth-place finish.
Liverpool
Man United’s top-four credentials will be severely tested in mid-April when they head to Anfield to take on title-battling Liverpool.
With nine consecutive league wins under their belt, the Reds are arguably the most in-form side in England’s top division, and knocking them off their perch could be a tall order.
But Rangnick’s men do not have to dig deep for motivation, as they have a debt to collect in Merseyside following a humiliating 5-0 loss in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford.
United could take advantage of tumultuous times at Liverpool induced by growing speculation linking long-serving talisman Mohamed Salah with a summer departure (via Mundo Deportivo).
Arsenal
Less than a week after their visit to Anfield, the Red Devils will take a trip to London to face Arsenal in a top-four six-pointer.
The upcoming encounter at the Emirates Stadium could be decisive for Man United’s bid to secure a third Champions League qualification in succession.
Led by interim boss Michael Carrick, United claimed a 3-2 H2H home win last December, which could give them a boost in confidence.
Depending on the developments between now and April 23, even a draw could prove sufficient for the Gunners to maintain their grip on a first top-four finish since 2015/16.
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