Manchester United's current struggles can help Erik ten Hag as Antonio Conte knows

Manchester United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal on Saturday all but mathematically dissolved their hopes of a top four finish.

Ralf Rangnick’s side sit sixth, six points off the Gunners - who now occupy fourth - with just four Premier League games remaining. Two points behind them is West Ham in the sole Europa Conference League qualification place as Wolves sit eighth, five points behind United having played a game fewer.

It has been mooted that United and incoming boss Erik ten Hag would be better off not in any European competition at all if the Champions League cannot be reached. Arguing the case, former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn said: “They'll pick up fewer injuries, they won’t have to rotate as much and Erik Ten Hag can work on his system of play throughout the week and fully focus on the league.”

READ MORE:What the Manchester United dressing room has made of Erik ten Hag's appointment

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has experienced this twice during his stints in England. He led Chelsea to the 2017 title in his first season after the club’s 10th-place finish the season prior.

The Italian has also been under the same circumstances with Spurs all this calendar year, after the club were exited the Europa Conference League in December. It has allowed Conte to integrate his style of play into the team and subsequently vie for a top four finish.

Many felt United should have approached Conte for the manager's job and sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sooner prior to his appointment at Spurs earlier in November. He has somewhat transformed Tottenham from a team battling for a Europa League spot to being on the brink of Champions League football.

Some supporters may agree that United would be better suited with a clean run at