Glazers’ European football demands could have detrimental impact on Erik ten Hag

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Interim boss Ralf Rangnick has been informed that Manchester United qualifying for Europe in any form is crucial for next season.

With seven Premier League games remaining the Red Devils are seventh in the table and are now six points off Tottenham, who sit fourth and occupy the all-important final Champions League spot.

Given United’s inconsistencies and well-documented issues this season, going on a seven-game winning run to finish the campaign looks nigh on impossible.

But there is every chance that United could finish below Wolves and as low as eighth.

If we finish eighth that would be the lowest position we’ve finished a Premier League campaign since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

Bruno Lage’s side sit two points behind us and with United still having to face Liverpool and Chelsea, the Molineux side will fancy their chances of surpassing Rangnick’s beleaguered team.

With United’s Champions League hopes evaporating with every passing week, there is an argument to Ranngick giving some of the club’s youngsters a chance in the remaining league games.

And with Erik ten Hag reaching a ‘verbal agreement’ to become Manchester United’s next permanent manager, the Dutchman’s task next season may be easier not being in Europe and focusing solely on getting back in the Champions League.

But ESPN report that during meetings with the Manchester United hierarchy, Rangnick has been reminded that securing European football for next season is important for the club’s finances – even if it’s via the Europa League or Europa Conference League.

Although having an easier schedule could benefit Ten Hag, it’s no surprise that the Glazers would prefer participating in the Europa League or Conference League to ensure some money was coming into their coffers, over a season without European football.

The team finishing fifth in the Premier League will enter the Europa League group phase along with the FA Cup winners while the Conference League place goes to the winners of the EFL Cup.

More time on the training pitch rather than midweek games could really benefit Ten Hag and the players.

Liverpool have already won the Carabao Cup and are almost certain of a place in the top four and if the FA Cup winners also finish in the top five, the European places will stretch down to seventh.

Crystal Palace are the only team left in the FA Cup not currently in the top four.

United face bottom of the table Norwich City at Old Trafford on Saturday and will be looking to bounce back after last weekend’s woeful defeat against Everton.