Manchester United told 'the only thing' which could destroy Champions League hopes

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes 'only one thing' will stop Erik ten Hag's side from qualifying for the Champions League.

United took a big step towards finishing in the Premier League top four on Sunday afternoon as a Rasmus Hojlund brace secured a 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Luton Town. The win moved Ten Hag's men to within five points of the top four and just a win behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who lost 2-1 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

While finishing outside the top four usually ends a club's hopes of Champions League football (save for winning the Europa League), finishing fifth this season could be enough to qualify. UEFA is expanding the tournament next season, and two extra places are being handed to the two nations who perform best in European competitions this season based on their coefficient rankings.

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Before the latest round of European fixtures, Germany and Italy are set to benefit from the extra spot while England are only just behind in third place. Assessing United's chances of finishing in the top four, Saha told Paddy Power he has been impressed with his old club's current form - but there's a catch.

"The only thing that can stop Manchester United from getting top four is themselves," he declared. "When they have their full squad available, they’re better, calmer, more composed and more confident but they still have to see games out.

"They have lots of young players and sometimes they make the wrong decision but they're doing well. Their tactics have been pretty much the same for the last few games and the youngsters aren’t surprised by the