Will United finish in the top 4?

A lot had been said about United and their worrying early season form, and they have looked less then convincing in numerous games this season. With David Moues replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm, Moyes' team simply haven't been able to hit the scintillating heights achieved by his pre-decessor. With United having uncharacteristic problems at the back, coupled with a lack of steel in midfield, means that United find themselves in a precarious position as the Barclays Premier League approaches December. 

David Moyes: Is he up to the job?

I can't remember the last time United were outside the top 4 for such a lengthy period of time, and The last time they finished the season outside the coveted top 4 was back in 1991- a remarkable 22 years ago, and even 4 years before I was born. So with United struggling under Moyes, I raised the question on twitter: Will United finish the season in the top 4?

Unlike some of my previous questions, there wasn't really widespread opinion of note. Everyone seemed to believe United would make the top 4, and I'd have to agree; its very hard to write such a successful team off. United have time and time again defied the odds to win the title in recent years, and to go from title winners to not qualifying for the Champions League in such a short space of time may seem impossible given the quality of the side. @JoshRicey quoted ' Short answer no, long answer noooo', conveying his strong belief that United simply aren't the team they used to be under Ferguson and thus have no chance of champions league qualification. @ConnorMcM23 also mirrored Josh's opinions by laughing off the question, stating 'hahahahahahaha no.' He explained his views in an additional post, commenting 'They need time to build under a new man,' showing his belief that David Moyes needs to find his feet before reinstating United's position back in the top 4.

But with Manchester United's recent dominance over English football, there are of course those that kept faith in England's most successful club. Many of my twitter followers had evidently taken this into account, with @LukeDanielMarsh stating 'I have full belief it can be achieved' before going on to explain that 'it's only been over-hyped because its Man United,' showing his confidence that despite their critics, United will achieve Champions League football once again. @_MP_3 echoes Luke's opinions, agreeing that they're still odds on to finish in the top 4. He quotes 'they will, everyone wrote them off being in 8th but one win against arsenal put them in 5th and now opinions have changed,' conveying his belief that their bad early season form was only a blip, and that now they are in poor position after a massive win over their old rivals, Arsenal.

Van Persie (left) + Rooney (right)
 

But personally, I think it'll be hard to right off Man United for one simple reason; their attack is just exceptional. Although their team is ageing, and Ferdinand, Giggs, Vidic and Evra amongst others can be considered way past their best, Van Persie and Rooney's quality is enough to save them from even the most perilous of situations. We have seen time and time again that they have come to United's rescue, and it can be argued that it was Van Persie's influence that was a huge factor in securing the Premier League title last campaign.

So United's attack, combined with their knack of managing to grind out results, I believe that they still still pose the fear factor that they have always done. Although I don't think they have the adequate resources in both defence and attack needed in order to pose a title challenge, I will be very surprised if they aren't playing Champions League football next season. Their big players have saved them time and time again, and I expect them to save United's blushes once again this season.