Rio Ferdinand says Man United will miss out on top four but believes European qualification could still 'galvanize' the club
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes they face an “uphill task” to finish in the Premier League's top four.
However, he highlighted that cup competitions can boost the league's form, as United They face the surest chance of sealing qualification for the Europa League.
Erik ten Hag's team currently occupies sixth position in the standings, 11 points behind Tottenham and Aston Villa, who are fourth and fifth respectively.
With seven league games remaining, the chances of finishing in the top four and therefore qualifying for the Champions League appear slim.
And speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Fernando revealed his belief that United face a huge challenge to lead Spurs and Villa into fourth place.
“It's an uphill task now. I was confident a month or two ago, but now I'm not, I can't see it. I look at the results that are coming in and Spurs are still picking up a win here and there.
“Villa are on a bit of a fun streak, but I think they're both too far ahead for us. Man United aren't the most consistent team anyway, it's not like Man United are on an incredible streak and you're actually on achieve six or seven victories in a row.
“We haven't done that all season, so why is it going to happen now? So I just don't see Man United being able to overcome those two teams to get to the Champions League, at all.”
However, when asked if United would be better off not qualifying for Europe, Ferdinand dismissed this idea and explained how cup competitions can be beneficial.
“Maybe, but also cup competitions can galvanize the place, they can make the place better. Manchester United are in the FA Cup right now, if we said: 'Listen, just concentrate on winning the league', we wouldn't have any hope “. Now, there's nothing left to play for.
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“So sometimes, if you can use the cup competitions to your advantage and can get a bit of momentum in them, they can also be a spark plug for league form.
“Listen, without the Champions League at Man United, it's very disappointing, but I always look at it from a player's perspective.
“Jason (Cundy) you'll understand, Andy (Goldstein) maybe not, if you want to get some silverware, if you have the opportunity to do it, you take it.”
United next Bournemouth face on Saturday ahead of next weekend's FA Cup semi-final clash against Coventry City at Wembley.
This is followed by consecutive home games against league rivals Sheffield United and Burnley as season shooting keep going.
United have four games scheduled and a possible FA Cup final in May, although the top four could be out of sight by then.
