Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has admitted his side will struggle to finish inside the top three this season.Rangnick’s side go into Tuesday’s Premier League fixture with Brighton & Hove Albion in fifth spot, just one point behind fourth-placed West Ham who have played a game more. However, top-four rivals Arsenal, Wolves and Tottenham all have games in hand on United while third-placed Chelsea are seven points clear. Rangnick said ahead of Brighton’s visit to Old Trafford: “Right now, this is exactly what Manchester United needs and wants to finish fourth in the league, this is the highest possible achievement we can get. The Champions League, definitely to proceed, not an easy one. In the league it’s number four, that’s what we have to achieve and what we’re aiming at. “Next season, after being here 11 weeks, I know what it takes for next season but it’s not the time now to discuss this with everyone, my full focus is tomorrow, Sunday, Wednesday and the next couple of weeks. Full focus on the current squad, getting the best out of this season and then it’s time to speak about the next steps for the next couple of years.“If you look at the current table and the gap between us, Tottenham, Arsenal, and the top two or three teams there are probably some reasons they are that far ahead, this is something to talk about this season in May, June and take the right decisions.“I’m not sure if it’s about the players, from the last 10 weeks the players are ambitious, work hard, they don’t feel happy after last three games, they want to win and my job is to help them and show a pathway to win games. The other things we need to discuss at the end of the season.”Rangnick revealed Fred is available for selection again after missing United’s 1-1 draws with Burnley and Southampton due to testing positive for COVID-19, while Edinson Cavani remains sidelined with a groin injury. The German added: “Yes, Fred will be available again and will also be part of the group for tomorrow. Edinson is still out, the same with Nemanja (Matic). Alex (Telles) is back again in the squad, he was already part of the group for the Southampton game and he will also be available.”(Photo: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
