Ralf Rangnick says Manchester United 'need to be realistic' about Champions League talk

Ralf Rangnick says Manchester United "need to be realistic" about their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

Back-to-back away defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal have all but ended United's slim hopes of playing in European club football's premier competition next season.

They sit in sixth place, six points behind the Gunners having played a game more than Mikel Arteta's side, meaning that new manager Erik ten Hag will be playing in the Europa Leagu next season, at best.

United face third-place Chelsea at Old Trafford in Thursday's rearranged game having been further hit by the news Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho have joined the Red Devils’ lengthy list of absentees.

“I don’t think it makes sense now to still speak and speculate about the Champions League,” interim manager Rangnick said. “We need to be realistic.

“Even if we win all four games, it’s still not in our own hands. But what is in our own hands is the way that we play, the level of performance.

“Even for the next season it’s important to finish this season on the best possible note.”

Asked how failing to qualify for the Champions League will impact on United’s summer transfer business, he added: “Of course it would be better if we play Champions League next season, but this also affects other clubs. This is not a problem that only Manchester United has.

ARSENAL RATINGS: Aaron Ramsdale 7 – In one of his strangest performances of the season, Ramsdale looked poor for United’s opening goal, gave the ball away regularly and yet still pulled off three or four elite saves.

Reuters

“The renewal of the contract of Bruno [Fernandes] showed that it’s still possible – this club is an attractive club and with a new manager.

“With a new approach with a new