Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United are currently in 6th place in the points table and though they have found some positive results in the last few games, they are no closer to the top of the table. The manager will know that the title is out of reach and will now hope that his side can stitch together a decent run to the end of the season, to get them a place in the top-4, and qualify for the Champions League. The Red Devils have a couple of players in the squad who are in top form and are important for reaching the top-4, there are a few players who have been underperforming this season. Here are three such players who will need to step-up if Manchester United are to qualify for Europe come the end of the season:
Daley Blind:
The Dutch defender has not been the first choice for Mourinho this season but in recent games, he has been preferred over Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian by the manager at left-back. He has put in some decent performances for the side this season but he will have to play out of his skin from now, until the end of the season, to help Manchester United to a strong finish. Shaw has not really been in Mourinho’s plans, while Darmian will be used as a cover for Blind, leaving the Dutchman with a regular place in the starting XI. Surely, his performances will have a say in United’s final position in the table.
Paul Pogba:
A world record signing for Manchester United, Pogba has been far from influential this season for his side. He has taken time to settle into the midfield and has found some decent form of late, playing on the right side of a midfield three. But with his potential, Pogba is expected to do a lot more in front of the goal and is expected to help Manchester United brush smaller sides away. He is yet to show his prowess this season but Mourinho will need the 23-year old to find his from before the end of the season, to stand a chance of having a shot at Champions League football next season.
Wayne Rooney:
Another player who is not quite a first choice player for Mourinho is Rooney, who is the skipper of the current Manchester United side. He has been unable to get into the first team at the moment but has been regularly used from the bench and the effect he has on the squad is undeniable. At his age, Rooney still has plenty of football left in him and he has already shown what he is capable of, in short bursts, earlier this season. Mourinho will need him to keep himself fit and stay on his toes to help his side when needed. Surely, Rooney has to be at his best for the business end, as he can be the difference between a place in the UCL and the UEL next season.
