Manchester United travel to the Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth on Saturday. Club legend Andrew Cole has urged the team to try put the game to bed as soon as possible.
The Red Devils will be looking to consolidate their place in the top four with three points at the weekend. Erik ten Hag’s side need to win two of their next three games to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Gary O’Neil’s side were beaten for the third time in five matches last week as Crystal Palace ran out 2-0 winners at Selhurst Park.
However, Bournemouth after safe from the drop and there’s a feeling they could be on holiday mode already. Andrew Cole hopes United can get the job done this weekend, with some help from results elsewhere (Liverpool vs Aston Villa).
“We need to try put it to bed as soon as possible,” Cole told Stretty News. “Our form has been a little bit indifferent considering we’ve been in this position for the majority of the season.
“The form has dropped off a little bit and we need to win two of the last three. We shouldn’t be in that position but when your up and down things like that happen.”
Cole acknowledges that United have played more games than other teams in the Premier League this season — as well as the fact the World Cup took place midway through the season.
He added: “The squad is very small and, if you look at the manager, he doesn’t really change things. It’s the same personnel all the time but that will catch up with the players. Ultimately, the players will be tired but we’ve not got the biggest of squads. Injuries are part of football and don’t forget we’ve had a World Cup during the Christmas period. It has not been easy.
“If you look at some of the performances, you could say some of the players have been leggy. They look a bit tired and the European competition has been tough.”
When asked if United would make the top four, Cole concluded: “I’m hoping so. If they can beat Bournemouth come the weekend knowing that they only need three more points – but that also depends on results elsewhere. The teams below Manchester United might slip up as well but ultimately we have to try look after ourselves.
“I’m hoping that we can get the six points we need from the next three games – and then move into next season before trying to win more trophies.”
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