2019-04-10T210356Z_1037723508_RC11E2D67500_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-CHAMPIONS-MUN-FCB-(Read-Only)
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester United's Jesse Lingard react after the match. Image Credit: Reuters

Manchester: Manchester United can secure a top-three finish in the Premier League if they get 15 points from their remaining six games, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Friday.

United, lying sixth with 61 points after a poor run of results, are locked in a battle for third with Chelsea (66 points), Tottenham Hotspur (64) and Arsenal (63).

Third place would guarantee United qualification for the Champions League — which by Solskjaer’s calculation would mean beating at least one out of second-placed Manchester City and Chelsea, who they host in consecutive games at Old Trafford this month.

“We need as many points as possible and I think if we get 15 we’ll be top three because in those games hopefully we’ll beat Chelsea,” Solskjaer said ahead of West Ham’s visit on Saturday.

“We want top three. Top four is also an aim ... but we should aim for 15 points. But now it’s about West Ham and focusing on (that).” After losing only once in Solskjaer’s first 17 games in charge, United have lost four of their last five in all competitions.

The Norwegian pinned that decline on a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, and United failed to register a single shot on target in their 1-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat at home to Barcelona on Wednesday.

“We’ve been fantastic but lately we haven’t been ruthless or clinical enough in front of goal,” Solskjaer said.

“ ... We should have won the league games against Wolves and Arsenal with the amount of chances we had. We’ve been practicing out here and, as a striker, I know how important that little bit of belief and trust in yourself is.” Solskjaer said forward Alexis Sanchez was fit but unlikely to play against West Ham. “I’m not sure if he’s going to be available. He’s injury free but not 100 per cent sure for tomorrow, maybe more likely for the Barcelona game [next week].” With midfielders Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic sidelined with injury and full backs Luke Shaw and Ashley Young both suspended, Solskjaer said Matteo Darmian and Marcos Rojo could play a part on Saturday.

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock has been charged by the English Football Association for his tirade against Premier League referees.

Match officials failed to spot a glaring offside when Cardiff conceded a late equaliser against Chelsea in a game the relegation-threatened Welsh team went on to lose 2-1 on March 31.

Warnock, one of English soccer’s most outspoken managers, said in a television interview that the Premier League is “the best league in the world and has probably the worst officials” and questioned if it was “payback time for me over the years” are they thinking to get him out of the way?”

In a radio interview the following day, Warnock criticised the referee for not being “educated enough at the top level.”

The FA says Warnock’s comments questioned the integrity of officials and brought the game into disrepute.

Fixtures

Premier League

Saturday:
Tottenham Hotspur v Huddersfield, 3.30pm
Brighton v Bournemouth, 6pm
Burnley v Cardiff City, 6pm
Fulham v Everton, 6pm
Southampton v Wolves, 6pm
Manchester United v West Ham, 8.30pm

Sunday:
Crystal Palace v Manchester City, 5.05pm
Liverpool v Chelsea, 7.30pm

Monday:
Watford v Arsenal, 11pm

Tuesday:
Brighton v Cardiff City, 10.45pm