Manchester United are at risk of failing to achieve two objectives

After Manchester United posted a fourth successive Premier League victory with a 2-1 triumph over Luton Town on February 18, the conversation was all about their Champions League hopes being resurrected.

United, who were sixth at the time, had closed the gap on fourth-placed Aston Villa to five points and confidence was high. A clash with Fulham at Old Trafford the following weekend was an appealing opportunity to get another three points on the board.

However, United fell to a first defeat of 2024, losing 2-1, and they have struggled to ever recover from that result. Monday night's 4-0 thrashing at Crystal Palace marked a fourth defeat in their last 10 league outings - a run which has seen them win just twice.

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As a result, United now find themselves 13 points behind Villa, who are almost home and hosed in the final Champions League spot. United are now facing an uphill struggle to secure Europa League qualification.

The defeat at Palace has left Erik ten Hag's side two points shy of sixth-placed Newcastle United, who are currently in the driving seat to secure a second Europa League berth. United have also been overtaken by Chelsea, who now occupy seventh ahead of United on goal difference.

When United beat Luton, nine points and four places separated the two clubs. United's dreadful run of form has opened the door for Chelsea to make an unexpected surge for European qualification.

Chelsea hit West Ham United for five while Newcastle made light work of Burnley, winning 4-1. Those two have discovered their mojo at just the right time.

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