Alan Shearer gives verdict on Manchester United's top-four chances after West Ham defeat

Former England striker Alan Shearer believes Manchester United will cling onto a top four berth despite Sunday's 1-0 defeat to West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Said Benrahma's first-half effort, aided by a blunder from goalkeeper David de Gea, clinched a fully-merited victory for the Hammers, leaving United just one point ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool. The Reds were second best in the capital, particularly in the second half, lacking the desire and endeavour you would have expected from a side chasing Champions League qualification.

Coupled with Newcastle United's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal earlier in the day, the race for a top-four finish has been blown wide open, with Liverpool now sitting just three points and one point behind Newcastle and United respectively. The Merseysiders have found form at just the right time, winning each of their last six league games.

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But although Shearer is backing Jurgen Klopp's side to win their last three, which would see them finish the campaign on 71 points, he believes the fact that United have got four games left, featuring three at Old Trafford, could see them over the line. Wolves, Chelsea and Fulham all visit M16 in the next three weeks.

"I see Liverpool winning all of those three," Shearer told Premier League Productions. "I think they have won six on the spin and I can see them winning those three, but I am not sure it will be enough.

"When you look at Man United's fixtures, what will be a huge help is that they have got three home games; if that was the other way round I would have serious concerns because of their away form. But I look at their three home games and who they're against [and think they'll