There is no denying that Manchester United have made significant improvements in recent months. From finishing in the top six to being within touching distance of a Champions League berth, there is real reason to be optimistic at Old Trafford.
However, despite fluctuating performances, their hopes of qualifying for the elite European competition will come down to the final round of league fixtures.
Manchester United are third after a draw with West Ham – will Chelsea be able to reclaim third place when they face Liverpool? ? pic.twitter.com/x9Af0pFYnm
— 90 Minutes (@90min_Football) July 22, 2020
A tough trip to Leicester awaits United, who know that avoiding defeat at the King Power Stadium will ensure they move into the top four for the first time in two years.
Ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer addressed the media at his press conference to discuss the challenges facing his side as well as what has been key to their improvement of late.
? “Confidence levels are high as we have given ourselves a great chance going into the last game,” says Ole.
“It’s been a great effort from everyone to get to this position and now it’s just a game.” #MUFC #LEIMUN pic.twitter.com/k5tf4hxIl4
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 24, 2020
It’s set to be a tense affair against the Foxes as both clubs know their fate is in their own hands, and while a draw will do for United, Solskjaer insists his side will be looking for victory. I will go to the game.
“We’re looking forward to the game, we’ve given ourselves a good chance of the Champions League next year but we can’t think about the result, we just have to perform at a high enough level and get a result,” said the Norwegian. .
“We want to dominate the game, we want to go to Leicester and get in a position to beat them. We want to go there and try to win the game.
“A lapse in concentration can hurt you. We’re going to go into it with a strong mind. We’ve got one more game this season, it’s a journey for this team, it’s an extra on the journey for him. Step. Team.”
While United’s much-improved displays can be attributed to the addition of Bruno Fernandes, Solskjaer’s overall change in attitude and commitment was important as his side began to gel.
Bruno Fernandes has come into the team and raised the overall quality in the squad / Poll / Getty Images
“There are many different reasons for the bounce but it’s a lack of work, step by step belief and the boys have worked really hard, the fitness level, the mental toughness is much better than last season,” he added.
“We’ve come a long way mentally, showed more strength, resilience, conceded the first goal in games, we’ve also shown heights when everything is flowing, I’m happy with how the progress looks.
“When you play football games and you win, you get good results. It’s fun and you build momentum and keep going, then you get a bump or two along the way, It’s not going to go in a straight linear trajectory.
“Being so behind with the restart we had to go for it, go for the goals, go for the points and it’s been a great effort from everyone to be in that position with one game to play. Arriving. If you look at that game against Burnley. We should have won that, that’s football and the Premier League. The belief, the confidence, the change of atmosphere, Bruno coming in has made a huge difference.”
Mason Greenwood scored the equalizer last time out against West Ham / Catherine Iwell / Getty Images
A standout feature of this new-look United side has been the speed with which they pass the ball into the final third. More creative and fluid attacking moves have helped them secure the points they need to move up the table, but fatigue has started to creep into their matches and Solskjaer revealed that after the league ended His team needs a break from playing.
He concluded: “When the last game of the season is in front of you, you expect any player to have injuries, pain, fatigue. Although this season has been different, it has been frustrating for everyone. .
“We’ve got a 5-0 lead over LASK so there’s usually no need to chase in this game because you win by two or three goals. It’s definitely a few days off. We’ll give it some time. [before LASK], they need mental and physical time away from the place, the effort has been fantastic. Recharge the batteries for a few days then go again.
“Excel [Tuanzebe] And Phil [Jones] are out but others I will give time to prove their fitness.
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