Cristiano Ronaldo ‘left Everton fan injured’, Rangnick ‘rages as United miss Nkunku transfer’

Why No. 8 is best for Utd

NEIL CUSTIS: The position Manchester United need to finish on now is within reach.

Even this team couldn’t hash it. Eighth place and no European football next season is up for grabs. That spot is currently held by Wolves, who are two points behind seventh-placed Red Devils after playing a game more.

But United can easily redeem that with the way this team plays. The very last thing they need is seventh place in the Europa Conference League. Nobody at Old Trafford will admit it, but they don’t want the Europa League either.

Yes, that night in Stockholm in 2017 when they won against Ajax was a good one. But does anyone remember the rest of this campaign?

There’s still something strange about the club celebrating every result in Europe outside of elite Champions League competition, no matter how far they’ve fallen.

And they really fell – and there is still a long way to go. By the end of May there will be worse, much worse, there’s no doubt about that.

Seven games remain, including trips to Liverpool and Arsenal, while Chelsea are yet to visit Old Trafford. Mind you, would you bet a pound they hit rock bottom Norwich at the Theater of Nightmares on Saturday?

There has long been talk of the need for decluttering, a new identity for the team, and a manager given time to make it all happen.

Erik ten Hag is the man for it and he’ll get a big boost if his midweek in November is free from travel to Kazakhstan – I’m still thawing.

HERE’S OUR FULL VERDICT