Lee Sharpe: Manchester United are capable of top-four finish
Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe has told NewBettingOffers.co.uk that he believes United are capable of achieving a top-four finish this season.
Sharpe highlighted United’s lack of European football compared to the likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa as one advantage for Ruben Amorim’s side in the Premier League, suggesting their ability to bounce back from the loss to Everton with a win at Crystal Palace will help to restore confidence in the squad.
Speaking to NewBettingOffers.co.uk, Sharpe said: “I certainly don’t think it is out of the question that Manchester United could finish in the top four this season. Don’t get me wrong, they’re outsiders, but Liverpool are struggling and other teams like Newcastle and Aston Villa have European football to contend with, so United aren’t without a chance.
“There are a few teams that will have their eyes on that fourth spot and in the end it all comes down to consistency. United’s defeat at home to Everton against 10 men was a really disappointing performance and result, and it was another example of their inconsistency.
“However, they got back on track with a good win away to Crystal Palace and hopefully they can build on that, gain some momentum and string some wins together. They need to go on a run of four or five wins to build a real sense of optimism at the club.
“On paper, they have a favourable run of fixtures at the start of December and if they can beat the likes of West Ham, Wolves and Bournemouth then that would be four wins in a row and some real momentum. It would shine a whole different light on what people think they can achieve this season.
“I’m sure in the dressing room and at the training ground they’ll be talking about aiming for top four, which is why the Everton loss would have been so tough to take after it looked like they might have turned a corner. The response against Palace was nice to see, because they showed grit and determination against a tough team. That will give them a lot of confidence.”
United can build consistency by grinding out results
Sharpe believes United can achieve consistency by edging tight contests and taking confidence from positive performances, urging his former side to put together a string of wins heading into the Christmas period.
“Consistency comes from results and confidence,” said Sharpe. “If you can make a habit of winning games and grinding out results then that builds your confidence, then you become more consistent.
“We’ve seen a fragility in United’s confidence in the way they’ve played over the last eight to 10 years. They always seem to come out all guns blazing and play really well in a big game against Liverpool or Manchester City, and then they’ll go to a side towards the bottom of the table and get beaten. You can’t afford to do that if you want to challenge for Champions League places.
“Only results will help them build that confidence and they had strung together a couple of good results and performances before that Everton game. That said, the most important thing after a loss is how you bounce back and they certainly did that.
“It’s a result they can really build on and if they go on a run before Christmas then it will change the whole mood around the club, and they could turn what started out as a poor season into a successful one.
“It’s all about building on the positives and grinding out results. They need to show a bit of belief, work as a team to keep clean sheets and pick up as many points as possible, then the confidence will come from putting points on the board and climbing up the table.”
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