Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre believes that his former club will miss out on the top four because of their ‘nightmare’ injury situation.
Instead, the Frenchman thinks that Aston Villa will pip the Red Devils to the Champions League this term, which would represent a disappointing season for Man United.
The Red Devils have picked up form in recent weeks, winning four Premier League games in a row, including a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.
They are now just five points behind the Villans, who have wobbled since the new year.
However, Man United were dealt a hammer blow with the news that Luke Shaw would be out for a few months due to a muscle problem.
Tyrell Malacia has been absent all season and is still isn’t ready to return, while Sergio Reguilon’s loan was ended early, and Alvaro Fernandez joined Benfica in January on loan.
This leaves them with no natural left-back, with Diogo Dalot or Victor Lindelof likely to fill in.
Lisandro Martinez is also out with an MCL injury, and these absentees are why Silvestre can’t see his old side making the top four.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, he was asked to name his top four and said: “Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa.
“I think they [Villa] are going to finish up there. Villa have been impressive, and Unai Emery is doing a great job.
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“Manchester United’s season is completely different to the previous one, and it’s down to the players missing through injuries, so it’s been difficult for them to keep the consistency.
“They’ve now lost Martinez and Shaw. Malacia is also missing. It’s a nightmare.
“The back four is totally unsettled, and it’s difficult to build something.”
There is no question that Man United have been impacted by injuries this season, with Casemiro, Raphael Varane and Kobbie Mainoo all struggling at points.
However, as it stands, they don’t have one of the worst injury lists in the Premier League.
Man United currently have six first-team players out, which is equal to many sides. Meanwhile Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Luton, Newcastle and Sheffield United all have more injuries.
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You have to remember how many games Man United have lost this season, and you can’t pin all of that on injuries.
However, with Rasmus Hojlund now firing, they do look a real threat in every game and will push Villa all the way, even if Silvestre doesn’t think they’ll make the top four.