Man Utd staff fear missing out on top-four finish – source

Manchester United staff are already worried about finishing in the top four this season, a source has told ESPN, after Manchester City inflicted a fifth Premier League defeat of the season.

City’s 3-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday left United eighth in the table, 11 points behind leaders Tottenham and eight points off the Champions League places.

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This has sparked fears within the club that they could face another season out of Europe’s biggest club competition after failing to qualify four times in the last 10 years.

Sources have told ESPN that United still believe manager Erik ten Hag can turn things around, although it is accepted that form will need to improve significantly if they are to finish in the top four this season.

United face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before back-to-back away games against Fulham and FC Copenhagen. Their final match before the November international break will be against Luton Town at Old Trafford.

A source told ESPN that United were hoping to have Aaron Wan-Bissaka before the break after missing the last nine games with a hamstring injury, while Casemiro, who missed the Manchester derby in due to an ankle problem, is also close to a return.

United’s absentee list has included 16 first-team players at times this season and, according to a source, club officials believe this is an unfortunate factor which has seriously impacted the start of the season.

However, there is concern in the locker room that the intensity of the training sessions put in place by Ten Hag and his team could contribute to fatigue and, in some cases, injuries.

Some senior players have already played more than 20 matches for club and country, including a lengthy pre-season schedule which included eight matches, and there is a feeling that more time could be spent on recovery to better prepare for the game. team for match days.