Manchester United’s performance against West Ham verged from being disappointing to awful depending on your level of expectation heading into the match.
It was not a match we will be rushing to watch the highlights of any time soon. But our griping is over. This is a space for positivity, and there really is reason to feel good right now, until Sunday’s nerves kick in.
We are in third
It is actually pretty incredible for United to be in this position considering where we stood at various points this season.
Remember when we lost away at Newcastle in October fell to 14th place and ESPN asked ‘Are Manchester United genuine contenders for the drop?‘.
Leicester’s advantage over us seemed unassailable, even in January. United have done so well to haul this back.
After 37 games we are above both Chelsea and Leicester, and that is despite two recent poor home results.
We should be pleased with the way this side has hauled themselves back into contention, and our recent form has put the pressure on our rivals and prompted their slip-ups.
Scenarios favour us
Sitting in third place with one game remaining means Manchester United are in control of our own fate with one game left.
A draw against Leicester will do, but so too could a defeat if Chelsea lose at home to a Wolves side chasing a Europa League place.
A reddit post showed there are nine possible scenarios on the final day, and seven of them favour us.
This still leaves enough room for United to mess it up and finish fifth, but statistically, the odds are in our favour.
Unbeaten run in Premier League
With a draw enough to guarantee a Champions League place no matter what happens elsewhere, this is a good time for United to look back on a healthy unbeaten record in the Premier League.
Our last defeat was at home to Burnley, and our last away defeat was back on January 1 against Arsenal.
This should leave United feeling confident ahead of Sunday in our own ability to get a result.
Leicester have been hit by injuries especially in defence and are without key playmaker James Maddison.
They have lost two of their last three games and conceded seven goals in the process.
This is a game United should not be daunted by, so long as we simply play the match and not the occasion. A lack of home fans at the King Power can only help us.
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