Manchester United can give Erik ten Hag four gifts for next season

Manchester United supporters didn't need reminding, but the weekend defeat at Arsenal was only further confirmation that the team Erik ten Hag inherits will not be playing in the Champions League next season. A spot in the top continental club competition is saved for the top four teams in the Premier League.

This campaign, there is no argument whatsoever to suggest that United have been one of those. Instead, United might well have to cope with the gruesome reality of Thursday night European football and a sapping schedule that will test their squad to the very limits over the next season.

It was quite clear from Saturday's clash at the Emirates that United are simply going through the motions as they wait for the season to finally end; though for a select few, the final four games could, and should, represent the start of their campaigns. United's performance was a lethargic one, lacking passion and pride, and it seems certain the same dismal displays will follow in the final weeks of the season unless there is a fresh injection of hunger and desire.

It can often be a lazy claim to suggest a team should stick youth players in to produce a response, but in United's case it is a valid argument right now, and one further fuelled by the exciting crop of youngsters who are waiting for a chance to showcase their talents.

While it's been a bad year a senior level this season, there has at least been reason for supporters to take pride in the academy. United are set to play their first FA Youth Cup final in 11 years when they take on Nottingham Forest next month, and the club impressed as they won their Youth League group late last year. The U23s and U18s both sit fourth in their respective league tables, something the senior