John Barnes believes that a top-four finish is within reach for Manchester United this season – but has ruled the Red Devils out of the Premier League title race.
Louis van Gaal has seen his side struggle to find consistent form in recent weeks, with United having only won three of their last 10 league games.
They’ve been lacking confidence and struggling, so I think top four is the limit
John Barnes
Their stuttering form has caused them to drop out of the top four, leaving them in sixth place in the table heading into Sunday’s crunch clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
Many had tipped United to be potential title challengers this season but their recent struggles – which included elimination from the Champions League at the group stage last month – mean that a top-four finish is the best they can hope for, according to Liverpool legend and former England winger Barnes.
Asked if Manchester United are title challengers, Barnes exclusively told The Sport Review: “No, I don’t think so.
“But I think that they can finish in the Champions League positions and I think it’s between themselves and Liverpool for fourth place, possibly third.
“They’ve been lacking confidence and struggling, so I think top four is the limit.”
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Manchester United played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Newcastle United on Tuesday night to leave Van Gaal’s side two points behind fourth-placed Tottenham heading into Sunday’s trip to Anfield.