Manchester United are set to take-on Eddie Howe’s relegation threatened Bournemouth tomorrow afternoon in what is a crucial game for both sides for two very different reasons. Bournemouth are clinging onto top-flight survival by their fingertips whereas United are in hot-pursuit of securing top-tier European football next season.
Speaking to MUTV, ex-Cherries gaffer Harry Redknapp has previewed the important clash between United and his old club and weighed in on how the Red’s season could end.
Addressing his old side’s chances at Old Trafford tomorrow, Redknapp said: “I’d be a fool if I said I fancy Bournemouth to get a result. I couldn’t pick many worse games to play at this stage of the season.
“Man United want that top-four spot. I think Leicester are starting to struggle, there’s a real opportunity now. They’ve really hit a brick wall, haven’t they?
“I certainly see United finishing in the top four this year. They’re in form, they’re playing well, I can’t see them finishing outside of the four. They could even finish third I think, the way it’s looking at the moment.
Leicester are struggling. I never know what I’m going to get with Chelsea and, as I say, I think Man United will finish in the top four.”
United currently sit in fifth spot in the league on 52 points with Chelsea in fourth on 54 points and Leicester City edging third place on 55 points. Wolves sit just below United in sixth but are only separated on goal difference and Redknapp believes Wolves are very-much in the Champions League qualification conversation but believes United will get the job done with the help of some impressive signings.
Speaking to MUTV the day after Solskjaer saw his top-four rivals Chelsea and Leicester City drop vital points away to West Ham and Everton, respectively.
“[Wolves] have been amazing, haven’t they?”, Redknapp added. “I do like the manager [Nuno Espirito Santo] and the job he’s done has been amazing. They could creep in there. Leicester looked home and hosed and they’re really struggling now and then Wolves, yeah.
“There’s nothing to say they can’t make it. But I think United will be in the top four, I think they’ll push on. They’ve made a couple of signings in the last year or so that have made a big difference. Fernandes and Harry Maguire gave them real backbone. [Aaron Wan-Bissaka]’s come in and done well.
“I saw Ole’s looking for another striker. They’re not easy to find when you’re looking round for top, top players but I reckon maybe with two or three players, they’re going to be a real force in the next year or so.
“I see a massive improvement, I really do. They look a team suddenly. I had big doubts about them early in the season when they had a bad run, but they’ve turned a corner now. Rashford, Greenwood, incredible young players coming through again. The future’s starting to look good.”
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