Pundit makes Man United top-four prediction after loss to Newcastle United

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Frank Leboeuf believes that neither Manchester United nor his former side Chelsea will finish in the top four.

Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United suffered their 10th defeat in all competitions last weekend after their 1-0 defeat to Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.

An Anthony Gordon goal was enough for the points at St James’ Park but United looked so lethargic at times in what was supposed to be a massive game in the context of the season.

Now, the pressure is back on the Dutchman after two disappointing results in a week have meant that they are on the verge of Champions League elimination and have fallen further behind in the race for a top-four finish.

Leboeuf on United

Speaking on ESPN FC, the former centre-back believes that Chelsea can win at Old Trafford but ultimately neither team are good enough for Champions League qualification.

“Maybe if United win their next game against Chelsea I can say they will finish above Chelsea,” the French defender said.

“But I do believe that Chelsea can win at Old Trafford on Wednesday. However, neither of them will finish in the top four, I can say that with certainty, it’s the reality of the situation, they are nowhere near these top sides.”

It’s hard to disagree with the Frenchman, United are miles off from the top sides and face the daunting prospect of a trip to Anfield in two weeks.

United’s struggles for consistency

Despite the losses, the biggest issue for the Red Devils is their struggles for consistency when it matters. The 3-3 draw against Galatasaray was the club’s first shared points of the season.

United, as a rule of thumb, either win or lose. When things are going well for the Red Devils, like they were against Everton, they look to be back to their best.

However, when things are not going their way, the ludicrous defeat to FC Copenhagen being the biggest example, then United tends to collapse.

The mentality of the team has to change but this doesn’t look likely to happen anytime soon with the team’s leaders, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez, still out at the moment.