Manchester United are still reeling from their 3-1 derby loss to rivals City over the weekend, which was the Red Devils' second straight defeat in the league.
The back-to-back losses came after United were experiencing an uptick in results and renewed hope for a top-four finish, and they now find themselves 11 points back of fourth place Aston Villa.
With just 11 matches remaining, it'll take a miraculous run for Erik ten Hag's side to climb into their desired spot in the standings and the Champions League group stage berth that comes with it. In fact, a former five-time Premier League winner and United star believes it'll take perfection from the Red Devils to achieve a top-four finish — and even then they'll need help from elsewhere.
“It’s very, very tough," Andy Cole told Betfred. "Manchester United would have to win their last 11 league games in my opinion to have a chance of finishing in the top four.
"They will also have to hope that Aston Villa and Tottenham lose a couple of games too for that to happen. Can we honestly see either of them losing four games between now and the end of the season? It’s unlikely."
While fourth or higher is likely out of reach, Cole said there is value in still getting the best results possible from the final stretch of games.
“Manchester United just have to try and finish as high up in the table as they can," he said.
"I know there’s a chance of fifth place qualifying for the Champions League this season, but when we were playing and we saw Arsenal celebrate qualifying for the Champions League, and I say this with no disrespect intended, we used to laugh at them.
"If you’re not winning the Premier League, then why are you celebrating? Come on, this is Manchester United.”
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