Ahead of Norwich City’s visit to Old Trafford, there is little room for error from a Manchester United point of view if they are to avoid a bleak Premier League campaign ending without European qualification.

Six points off the top four with seven to play, United’s Champions League ambitions now look all but over. They also trail Arsenal – who have a game in hand – by three points with the Gunners occupying fifth and the division’s Europa League spot as it stands.

Ralf Rangnick’s side have games against Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as Arsenal, to come, and may ultimately have to compete for a place in the UEFA Conference League with West Ham United currently holding that spot in the Premier League table.

United not competing in Europe next season therefore is still very much a possibility. The historic numbers back up exactly why that would come as a shock to most, though performances across this campaign probably evidence exactly why the Red Devils find themselves in this predicament.

European Expectations

Considered the biggest club in the world by some, United are steeped in European history and have claimed six titles across the continent including their three Champions League victories (two when the competition was known as the European Cup).

In 1980-81, the Red Devils finished eighth in the old Division 1, failing to qualify for any competition outside of the British Isles for the following season.

To highlight just how much of a failure it would be not to reach Europe this season, that has only ever happened once since when they finished seventh in the Premier League in 2013-14.

Scotsman David Moyes was in charge that season, joining from Everton, who last weekend beat United 1-0 at Goodison Park.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013 was always going to mean a stumbling spell for the club, but that stumble has now turned into a heavy fall. There’s widespread discontent across the fan base, no permanent manager in place ahead of next season and what appears a squad which doesn’t have anywhere near enough quality to compete at the top.

Norwich

Given all of the above, it goes without saying that Norwich – who are still fighting against relegation – could put one of the final nails in United’s European coffin if they can pull off a shock result.

Dean Smith’s Canaries aren’t out of the running at the bottom end of the table just yet, seven points adrift in last place with seven to go.

A big 2-0 win against fellow relegation rivals Burnley came at home last week and unfavoured in their Old Trafford trip, a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude could prove vital.

Last time Norwich managed to spring a surprise away against the Red Devils was in December 2015 with a 2-1 win with Cameron Jerome one of the Canaries goalscorers that day.

A similar result on Saturday afternoon would be more than welcome to those in East Anglia who only lost out 1-0 in the reverse league fixture at Carrow Road in December with Cristiano Ronaldo saving the day for United with a late penalty.

Coverage

Prost International reporter will be in position at Old Trafford to bring live match coverage. With a 3:00pm kick-off, you can follow him on Twitter – @OlawumiJourno

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