Man United's problems mount: Lack of squad depth and defensive woes threaten top 4 finish

Manchester United's season is at risk of imploding in spectacular style after they appeared to have turned the corner in Erik ten Hag's first campaign as manager.

The Red Devils, already with the League Cup in the bag and through to the FA Cup final, were hot favourites to secure a top-four Premier League place just a week ago.

They are still fourth but after dropping eight points in their past four games are just a single point clear of fast-charging Liverpool in the race for a Champions League place, albeit with a game in hand.

United, who appear exhausted after a punishingly long season, are counting the cost of a lack of firepower and a serious defensive crisis.

Both issues have shown that the club lack the depth of squad to sustain a title challenge despite making significant strides under their Dutch manager.

United have managed just 49 goals in the English top-flight, the second-lowest total in the top nine and a whopping 40 fewer than leaders Manchester City.

Marcus Rashford has enjoyed the best season of his career, scoring 16 Premier League goals and 29 in all competitions, but United are over-reliant on moments of inspiration from the England man.

Next on the list is midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who has just six league goals. Jadon Sancho has five while Antony and the injury-plagued Anthony Martial have each only found the net four times.

Sancho and Brazilian winger Antony, who together cost more than £150 million ($190 million) have been frustratingly inconsistent.

Loan signing Wout Weghorst, brought in to add firepower after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in November, has not managed a single league goal.     

Ten Hag admitted after Sunday's 1-0 loss at West Ham that he was frustrated his side could not capitalise