Arsenal hero Ian Wright believes Manchester United could beat the Gunners to the last Champions League spot. The two sides are battling it out to secure a top four Premier League finish and cement their place in next season’s European competition.
United moved back into fourth on Tuesday night as they overcame a resilient Brighton side at Old Trafford.
The Seagulls made things difficult for the hosts in the opening period and could have gone ahead when Jakub Moder forced a wondersave from David de Gea after connecting with Joel Veltman’s cross.
But the Red Devils eventually took the lead six minutes after the interval as Cristiano Ronaldo beat Adam Webster and fired the ball into the bottom corner.
Brighton had Lewis Dunk sent off moments later after he brought down Anthony Elanga and was deemed to have denied the forward a clear goalscoring opportunity.
And Ralf Rangnick’s side wrapped up the win deep into stoppage time at the end of the match as Bruno Fernandes burst forward and finished well.
Arsenal hero Ian Wright believes Manchester United could beat the Gunners to fourth place (Image: GETTY)
United knocked on the door time and time again at Old Trafford. And Wright believes their ability to create chances will ensure they have enough to secure fourth place come the end of the season.
“What we’ve seen with Man United, and I’ll continue to say this, is that they create chances,” Wright said after Tuesday’s match.
“If they take the chances they’ll be fine. It’s in their hands to do it.
“It’s a tough game coming up against Leeds [on Sunday] because that’s a kind of derby. It’s a big one for them. The main thing is that they do not lose - that’s the main thing.
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“But other than that, I think the problem you’d have with Man United is if they weren’t creating chances. And they are so I think they’re going to be fine.”
United’s victory against Brighton means they are now four points above the Gunners in the Premier League table.
Arsenal do have three games in hands over their rivals – but they all come against other so-called big six teams.
And Wright concedes that Arsenal’s extra matches might not play out in their favour.
Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick led his side to victory over Brighton on Tuesday (Image: GETTY)
“You look at the games in hand,” continued the former England striker. “Arsenal’s games in hand are Tottenham and Chelsea so that’s going to be tough in itself.”
Arsenal have lost just one of their last seven top flight matches.
And Mikel Arteta’s side will be hoping to close the gap to United on Saturday when they host Brentford.