Manchester United host Cardiff City on Sunday in their final game of the season with just fifth place in the Premier League left to play for.
United head into the game one point behind Arsenal and need a victory to give themselves any chance of leaping above the London club.
Last weekend’s dismal 1-1 draw at Huddersfield Town has left the Red Devils facing the prospect of playing in the Europa League qualifiers during July.
If United end the campaign in sixth and Watford win the FA Cup that is the scenario they would face, but if they can jump above Arsenal they would go straight into the group stage.
They are big favourites to win on Sunday and many punters may be eager to use sign-up bonuses to back them to win to nil against already relegated Cardiff.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could make changes to his team following last week’s disappointing performance at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Ander Herrera, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Antonio Valencia are all doubtful and Solskjaer may decide to turn to some of the club’s youngsters for the game.
Solskjaer will be hopeful that Mason Greenwood is available after the prolific teenager missed the draw at Huddersfield with a hamstring problem.
The United boss is eager to develop a team that is prepared to play for the name on the front of the shirt rather than the one on the back and Greenwood is seen as one of the most likely youngsters to make the step up.
Tahith Chong, James Garner, Angel Gomes and Lee O’Connor are other players who will give fans hope that the club can rediscover its identity next season.
In addition to promoting youth, Solskjaer has made it clear that he wants the club to target the right kind of players during the summer transfer window.
Matthijs de Ligt is on Solskjaer’s wishlist, although the Ajax defender is believed to have rejected the opportunity to complete a £60million move.
United have also shown interest in West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and he is the type of talent that would have fans believing that better days lie ahead.
Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho has also been linked with the club as Solskjaer looks to target young and hungry British talent.
Assistant manager Mike Phelan is currently helping to shape the club’s transfer policy and he is intent on recruiting players who fit in with the traditional ‘United way’.
It seems certain that there will be some high profile departures from Old Trafford this summer, with the likes of Anthony Martial, Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku amongst a plethora of players who could leave the club.
This weekend’s game against Cardiff is a final chance for some players to prove they are worth keeping, although it is unlikely that the result will have much of an impact on Solskjaer’s thinking at this point.
It has undoubtedly been a disappointing season for United and fans will be desperate to see Solskjaer stamp his authority on the club this summer.
