Erik ten Hag gets definitive prediction as Manchester United reality becomes clear

Manchester United have been backed by statistics gurus Opta to finish in the European positions this season with a sixth-placed finish rated as the most likely outcome.

Erik ten Hag’s men currently sit in that position, one point ahead of West Ham United, although they do have a game in hand over the Hammers. A 2-2 draw with Liverpool in their last outing saw United bounce back from what was a gut-wrenching defeat vs Chelsea just a few days earlier.

While Champions League qualification looks to be a step too far, the race is on to play in the Europa League next season. United have competition from West Ham, Newcastle and Chelsea in the final games of the season.

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According to Opta’s latest predictions, United have a 47.5 percent chance of finishing in sixth place at the end of the season. That is the highest of the teams vying for the position and would see them qualify for the Europa League.

Newcastle United are rated as United’s biggest threat with a 31.7 percent chance. Seventh-placed West Ham are given a chance of just 4.4 percent of finishing in sixth. Chelsea are given a 7.3 percent chance after a disappointing season.

If we look further, the chances of finishing in seventh, which would still see United compete in the Europa Conference League, are rated at 26.4 percent. Chances of finishing below seventh and therefore not being guaranteed European football are at a combined 21.7 percent.

There is still a small chance that United climb the table too, despite the 11-point gap between them and Villa in fifth.