Ralf Rangnick makes worrying admission after Man United's heavy defeat to rivals City at Etihad
FootballRalf Rangnick Top Four Prediction After Arsenal Moved Above Man United on The Standings
- Ralf Rangnick has suggested Manchester United's top four battle with Arsenal could go down the wire
- The two teams have been earmarked as favourites to seal the final Champions League spot at the end of the season
- The Gunners, who currently sit fourth have a one-point advantage over fifth-placed United as the campaign enters its homestretch
Ralf Rangnick has admitted Man United will face a serious challenge from Arsenal in the battle to finish in the top four.
United and the Gunners have emerged as firm favourites to seal the final Champions League spot with just nine matches left to end the season.
Only a point separate fourth-placed Arsenal and the Red Devils who sit fifth, with the Gunners having a slight edge given they still have three matches in hand.
Arsenal leapfrog Man United to fourth
Rangnick's men momentarily climbed to fourth following their 3-2 thrilling win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, March 12.
Cristiano Ronaldo was United's match hero as he netted a sensational hat-trick to hand his side a vital win in their top four push.
However, Arsenal leapfrogged their archrivals to fourth after they won their own weekend fixture against Leicester City.
Goals from Martin Odegaard and Alexander Lacazette were enough to help the north Londoners recapture the fourth spot.
Rangnick makes top four prediction
Speaking ahead of United's Champions League meeting with Atletico, Rangnick conceded he expects stiff competition from Arsenal in his side's pursuit to qualify for the Champions League.
The German underscored the need for the Red Devils to ensure they do not drop points at this stage as it could prove costly in their top four push.
"We are fully aware that we should not be dropping points anymore in any of the games. Right now Arsenal are in good shape, they won again yesterday at home against Leicester," Rangnick said.
"So for us, it’s clear we need to look after ourselves and make sure that we win all the next upcoming games in the Premier League," he added.