As a Manchester United fan, taking a look at the Premier League table after week 23 round of matches will spur you into some calculations.
Firstly, seeing Leicester City on top is a little surprise, but the results don't lie. At this point of the season, they are top because they deserve to be.
Scanning the table downwards, United disappointingly sit in fifth position, then the calculations begin. Calculations like can United still win the title?, what's the probability of making the top four?.... And so on..
Redlyunited analyses the chances of where United can finish the season.
1. WINNING THE TITLE
Mathematically only ten (10) points separate table topper Leicester and United, and in between lies major title contenders in Arsenal and Manchester City. Judging by the figures, a battle ready United side can catch up with 10 points.
But based on the reality of form, consistency and performance, United are miles behind the teams above them, especially City, Arsenal and Leicester.
The confidence level in the United camp must be dead low now, and that's what you need when the season is approaching the crescendo like this. The current United side lacks the fear factor, and never say die spirit of a title contender.
Except the team experience a drastic change in form, confidence and mentally, a push for the title is almost impossible.
United wining the title?
ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE, BUT NEVER IMPOSSIBLE.
PROBABILITY: 0-10%
2. A TOP FOUR POSITION:
Five points currently separate United from Tottenham in fourth place, and seven points from Arsenal in third place.
United finishing outside the top four would be a disaster, but that what's in the mirror currently.
This is United's most realistic goal for the reminder of the season. But for that to happen, United must be consistent enough to displace one of the team above it currently.
With due respect Tottenham, being the closest to United means they are the most liable to be displaced, but that's if United can be strong enough.
On a long run, Leicester City also looks vulnerable, but that doesn't look like happening soon. They may drop gradually for United to displace them, but again, that's if United improve.
United making the top four?
VERY POSSIBLE, BUT REQUIRES CONSISTENCY AND RAPID IMPROVEMENT.
PROBABLY: 40-55%
3. MAKING AN EUROPA LEAGUE SPOT:
Currently, United lie within this range, and even at that, hard work is required to maintain that position.( To the dismay of United fans).
Southampton in eight position are four points behind United, while arch rivals Liverpool are three points behind in seventh position. Hence the need for consistency.
Officially only the fifth place team automatically qualifies for the Europa league, but if any team that has already qualified for Europe wins the F.A or Capital One Cup, the next best places team takes its spot.
United qualifying for Europa League?
VERY POSSIBLE, AND LOOK MOST LIKELY BASED ON CURRENT FORM.
PROBABLY: 60-70%
4. FINISHING OUTSIDE THE TOP SIX OR SEVEN
With the current form of the team, the inconsistencies and dropping of points, United can also finish outside the top six or seven, which will make it difficult for the team to make the Europa league.
This happening will spell disaster for Van Gaal and the board.
United finishing outside the top Seven?
VERY POSSIBLE BUT DISASTROUS.
PROBABLY: 30-75.
FINAL FORECAST:
United will make Europe, but the competition depends on how fast the team improves.
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