Manchester United might only have five players who are guaranteed starts next season

With 10 Premier League games remaining, Manchester United's top four destiny is out of their hands.

Despite getting back to winning ways with a 2-0 triumph over Everton on Saturday, United are still at the back of a three-horse race to secure the final top four spot. Aston Villa's 4-0 defeat to rivals Tottenham Hotspur means the gap has reduced to eight points from 11, but United are still playing catch-up.

Clinching Champions League qualification for next season will be paramount in keeping Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plan to rebuild the club on track. Participation in Europe's premier club competition will bring huge financial benefits and make United a more attractive proposition in the transfer market.

READ MORE: Alejandro Garnacho let himself down with United penalty reaction vs Everton

READ MORE: Exclusive interview: Former United defender Di'Shon Bernard on Erik ten Hag, Kobbie Mainoo and more

It means the 10 remaining challenges that stand between United and the finish line will each be pivotal. Ten Hag, prior to the win over Everton, described each of his side's last 11 games as cup finals, and his outlook is unlikely to have changed.

But regardless of what position United finish in this season, impending changes in M16 are brewing. As reported by the Manchester Evening News last month United are planning for a record number of sales in the summer window, with the club intending to become more proactive in the seller's market.

A whole host of players on the outskirts of Ten Hag's first-choice starting XI, plus one or two others who could help balance the books in the fight against Financial Fair Play [FFP] regulations, need moving on. Those expected departures will of course create holes that will need plugging.