Manchester United On The Precipices

Marcus Rashford

The crowd at Old Trafford on Sunday found themselves in a reverse situation in which they were the underdogs facing a Leicester City side that is close to being crowned champions for the first time. During the Alex Ferguson era, it was Manchester United in the enviable position of looking to wrap up the title with few matches left of the season. But times have changed at Old Trafford, the relics of the past still stares at those that are affiliated to the club, because of the lack of success that has plagued the club since the famous Scot retired as manager in 2013.

The 1-1 draw against Leicester City on Sunday means with three matches left, Manchester United are in serious danger of missing out of the Champions League for the second time in three seasons. They only returned this season, although it was short lived by a group stage exit. The Red Devils lie four points behind Manchester City who are fourth on 64points, and a further seven points behind third placed Arsenal on 67points. While Manchester United are fifth, it is not a comfortable position as West Ham are just a point back in sixth place on 59points. Slaven Bilic's side have been hovering round that position all season as they push for a place in Europe. Both West Ham and Manchester United will play each other in one of the outstanding matches. Its a tie that will go a long way in deciding who finishes in a higher position.

Louis van Gaal's Manchester United are in the FA cup final, where they will play Crystal Palace later this month. However, a first major trophy for the club in three seasons without a top four finish might not be enough to save Van Gaal his job in what would be the final year of his contract.
The Dutchman said on the eve of the match against Leicester City that he expects to remain manager next season. It was the first time he has publicly claim he would be around next season. According to him, if the media is to be believed this season, he has already being sacked six times. Yet, he is still Manchester United's manager. Yet that decision on whether he would stay lies with Ed Woodward, the club's Executive Vice Chairman.

The former manager of Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich has been under serious pressure all season with reports linking the Dutchman away from Old Trafford with Jose Mourinho tipped as his replacement.

One of the things, the Dutchman was brought in to do was to make Manchester United a regular top four side. He got this in his first season in charge.But, failure to finish in the top four top this season might be the final nail on his coffin. And as it stands, a top four finish looks unlikely with three matches left to play.

Ultimately, if this season ends up as the last for the Dutchman, his legacy will be judged by what has been his trademark in most of the club he has managed which is his propensity to give youth a chance. Through him a new star at Old Trafford was born this season in the person of Marcus Rashford. He has used a plethora of young players this season from the club's academy. Whether this would be part of the next manager's plans remains to be seen.

For now, Manchester United lies on a precipice, yet, a disappointing season could still end up with a 12th FA cup win.