3 Reasons Why Manchester United Will Finish Top Four

Despite starting the season in disappointing fashion, Manchester United have clawed back some of the lost ground over the festive period, and going into the new year, here’s three reason why United can finishing in the top four this season.

1. Moyes adjusting to the role

David Moyes initially seemed lost in his role as the manager of Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson’s shoes seemed too big to fill for the Scotsman. However, following some disappointing performances in the league, United have stumbled upon some form and have won their last four games on the bounce following two consecutive defeats.

They are now just three points off the fourth spot and with 19 games to go, they have a really good chance of catching up their rivals for the fourth and final Champions League spot. Moyes now has had time to get adjusted with the squad and is now aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the players, which will allow him to make the most of second half of the season.

2. Transfer window hope

Manchester United’s performance in terms of performance in the summer transfer window was shambolic as they managed to sign only Marouane Fellaini, and ended up missing out on a lot of their transfer targets. Having worked with the players and the back-room staff for six months, Moyes will be in a better position to understand the short-comings of his squad, and identify key transfer targets.

Having made the most of a shoe-string budget during his time at Everton, Moyes has the ability to identify players who have the ability to perform at the highest level, and working with a transfer committee will only make the job easier for him. Signing a central midfielder will be high on the list of priorities, as will be strengthening the full-back positions. If they manage to sign a top-class midfielder like Cesc Fabregas or Ander Herrera, one can expect United to make a late push for the title even, considering the amount of points that most of the table-toppers have dropped.

3. Easy Fixtures

The fixtures have been comparatively kind to United, compared to their direct rivals for the fourth spot as of now. Out of Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham, they will be playing away to only Everton while they will have the luxury of facing Liverpool and Tottenham at home. Home advantage in such crucial ties, which are potential 6-pointers in the race or the fourth spot, may prove to be decisive at the end of the season.

United have traditionally been strong against the bottom-half teams, and with a  favorable fixtures list, it may be enough of an advantage in what is likely to be a very tight race for a lucrative spot in the UEFA Champions League.