'An outstanding team with a lot of talent' - What rivals have said about Man United this season

It has been an underwhelming season for Manchester United as they face an almighty battle to clinch a top-four spot and Champions League qualification. They face competition from Arsenal and Tottenham amongst others as we reach the business end of the campaign.

Moving forward, the Old Trafford giants have identified Erik ten Hag as their preferred managerial candidate - and further talks are set to be held after his first interview. But will the Dutchman arrive after United have achieved the last remaining objective?

Either way this has been an eventful 12 months for United at Old Trafford and beyond. Here are some of the things that have been said about the club by their main rivals.

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Mikel Arteta (December 2): "We scored the first and after that we had perfect control of the game, but started to give some very simple balls away in very dangerous areas. We gave them so much space, they gained some momentum and we had some difficulties there. We conceded the goal. We started the second half well and had total control, but then conceded again.

"We dominated again and scored the second one, but after that we need to have the maturity to go on and score a third one. But being realistic, conceding three goals at Old Trafford makes it difficult to get something."

Thomas Tuchel (November 28): "It's hard to imagine this as a match where you can lose or drop points, because we were the better team who set the rhythm and intensity. We are disappointed but we have no regrets, this can happen in football. I told the team I'm happy with our performance and the way we played."

Tuchel on managerial speculation (March 18): "Do you feel me less committed to