But they have given their rivals something to chase and, as they approach next month's potentially pivotal games against Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool, they have hope. Erik ten Hag has been involved in the Champions League in all four full seasons he has spent as Ajax boss, while Mauricio Pochettino had four Champions League campaigns in five spells in Europe with Tottenham. His Champions League history exceeds that of Ten Hag and Pochettino, given he was the last man to win it as Barcelona coach in 2015. On the night Premier League leaders Manchester City scored five away from home at Sporting Lisbon to underline their status as favourites for the Champions League, this is what United are reduced to now. "Right now, this is exactly what Manchester United needs and wants, to finish fourth in the league," said Rangnick before the game.

Source: BBC February 16, 2022 00:49 UTC