After defeating Liverpool in extra time to get to the FA Cup semifinals, Manchester United will undoubtedly feel confident, but Michael Owen doubts they can catch Aston Villa.
Despite playing in the FA Cup this coming weekend, Manchester United, currently ranked sixth, has a game in hand over Villa, who are currently in fourth position. Erik ten Hag’s team, however, is nine points behind Unai Emery’s squad.
Manchester United is playing well; they have won nine of their last twelve games across all competitions. With ten league games remaining, they could contend for fourth place if they maintain their present performance.
Villa has only won one of the last four games across all competitions, and they have only gained one point from their last two league encounters (drawing against West Ham and losing 4-0 to Spurs). The latest game saw Spurs lose 3-0 to Fulham.
Therefore, none of the three candidates for fourth place are playing well. On The Kelly & Wrighty Show, Owen talked about the competition for fourth place and asserted that Manchester United isn’t good enough to catch Villa.
There’s going to be a gap there. Wrighty mentioned it: “I don’t think Manchester United can come back and win nine points against a strong Aston Villa team. I don’t think they’re good enough to take it.”
Michael Owen doesn’t think Manchester United will catch Villa
Despite their 3-0 loss to Fulham over the weekend, Spurs seem to be in the best position to finish in fourth place right now. They are three points behind Villa and, like Man United, have a game remaining.
But unlike Villa, Tottenham are not in Europe. Manchester United still have another two games to play, if they beat Coventry in the FA Cup semi-finals. Spurs are best-placed, but it is anyone’s game right now.