Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have both dropped clear-cut predictions for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag after the Red Devils’ 1-1 Premier League draw against Brentford.
Manchester United underwhelmed in their first Premier League match since the March international break after they travelled away to the Gtech Community Stadium.
However, the Red Devils came close to snatching all three Premier League points after Mason Mount came off the bench and scored deep into injury time.
Erik ten Hag’s men led for only minutes at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Kristoffer Ajer cancelling out Mason Mount’s opener with a crucial equaliser.
United walked away with only a point from their Premier League clash, but Erik ten Hag’s side were dealt a massive blow to their top-four ambitions this season.
The Red Devils, who are currently sixth in the league table, are now nine points adrift from fifth-place Tottenham and 11 points behind fourth-place Aston Villa.
United also face two tough tests in the Premier League in the coming days, which could settle the fate of the club’s top-four challenge.
Ten Hag’s men will travel to Stamford Bridge on Thursday for their Premier League clash against Chelsea before United host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Lineker talks Brentford vs Man Utd
Manchester United face an uphill battle to secure Champions League football for next season, but the Red Devils could still finish the season with major silverware.
Erik ten Hag’s side are through to the FA Cup semi-finals and will battle it out with Coventry City on 21st April at Wembley for a place in the final.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker suggested that United’s top-four challenge is over after dropping costly points to Brentford.
“I don’t think it will be United now, dropping points against Brentford,” he said.
“Obviously, I’m very much hoping Spurs, nothing against Aston Villa fans, but I never scored at that bloody place and I played for Tottenham, so I’ll be rooting for them. But I think it might be tight.
“As for United, they’ve got no consistency whatsoever.
“One great performance, where they’re gung-ho and play brilliantly against Liverpool and then the next game they’re completely outplayed.”
Shearer reacts to Brentford vs Man Utd
Premier League legend Alan Shearer strongly believes that Tottenham will finish in the final top-four spot ahead of Aston Villa or United this season.
The 53-year-old ex-Newcastle and England striker blasted United’s display against Brentford, saying that the Red Devils were “terrible” and “awful” on the night.
“United aren’t finishing fourth, no chance,” Shearer said.
“They’re not finishing fourth. Spurs for me!
“United are unpredictable and you just never know what you’re going to get from them.
“They were terrible against Brentford, they were awful.”