Ralf Rangnick sees Man Utd Champions League finish as ‘unrealistic’ despite four games remaining

Ralf Rangnick has labelled Manchester United’s chances of finishing in the top four of the Premier League as ‘unrealistic’.

The Red Devils sit sixth in the league, six points behind four-place Arsenal, with four games remaining.

United fell to a second consecutive defeat on Saturday with a 3-1 loss to Arsenal and believes their chances of qualifying for a Champions League spot at the end of the season is not in the club’s hands.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Rangnick now wants the Red Devils to finish the campaign in the best possible way.

He said: “I don’t think it makes sense now to still speak and speculate about the Champions League.

“We need to be realistic. Even if we win all four games, it’s still not in our own hands. But what is in our own hands is the way that we play, the level of performance.

“Even for the next season, it’s important to finish this season on the best possible note.”

If United fail to finish in the top four come 22 May it could have a knock-on effect on recruitment this summer, with Erik ten Hag taking over at the end of the campaign.

However, regardless of what position United sit after their remaining four fixtures, Rangnick believes the ‘new approach’ they are going in will still attract top players to Old Trafford.

“Of course it would be better if we play Champions League next season, but this also affects other clubs,” he added. “This is not a problem that only Manchester United has.

“The renewal of the contract of Bruno [Fernandes] showed that it’s still possible – this club is an attractive club and with a new manager [Erik ten Hag].

“With a new approach with a new manager and the way he wants to play, this is still a massively interesting club.

“I am looking forward to help both Erik and the club, and everyone at the club, to get the best and to change the whole approach again next season so that Manchester United can be a top club again.”

The Red Devils have been linked to several names since the announcement Ten Hag will be their next manager and will be hoping the Dutchman can bring silverware back to the club.