Jermaine Jenas: Why Man Utd will struggle to get top four without Louis van Gaal

Jermaine Jenas believes Manchester United will struggle to finish in the top four even if the Red Devils sack Louis van Gaal.

The 20-time English champions are in sixth place and five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur following their goalless draw with Premier League holders Chelsea on Monday.

Player for player I’d say that Arsenal, Man City and even Spurs have stronger squads

Jermaine Jenas

Van Gaal has been facing increased scrutiny around his position in recent weeks following the Blues’s decision to sack Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola’s announcement that he will quit Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

However, former Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jenas still believes the Red Devils will struggle to secure a top-four finish this season.

Jenas told Yahoo Sport: “Even if Van Gaal goes, United will have a struggle to get into the top four.

“Player for player I’d say that Arsenal, Man City and even Spurs have stronger squads.

“That’s why there is so much talk about bringing a global star to Old Trafford, to bring back some of that aura. Because at the moment it’s gone: no-one is scared of United any more.”

United are nine points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and second-placed Leicester City following their stalemate with Chelsea earlier this week.

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The Red Devils host Welsh outfit Swansea City in their next Premier League fixture on Saturday afternoon.