DIMITAR BERBATOV believes Manchester United are OUT of the title race – and fears they could even miss out on the top four.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are seven points behind league leaders Manchester City – who have a game in hand.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side dropped points against West Brom at the weekendCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
Berbatov claims United are out of the running because they’ve dropped points against ‘smaller teams’ this season.
The Red Devils missed a chance to close to the gap when they were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw with West Brom on Sunday.
The former Old Trafford star told Betfair: “You see what happens when you don’t win games against the smaller teams?
“Sheffield United and West Brom were two matches that United were expected to take all the points from, but they weren’t concentrated enough and now there is no point talking about their title chances.
“They are still second in the league, they must give Man City a hard time, but obviously they are in a much worse position than they were before, which is unfortunate.
“That shows you that sometimes people talk about records against the top four teams, but it is equally as important to beat the teams in the bottom four.
“City are seven points ahead with a game in hand, and with the performances that thy have shown recently I think it will be impossible for them to lose it, and at this moment the title is theirs.”
Berbatov concluded: “It just goes to show that it really pays when you are inconsistent.”
Dimitar Berbatov played for Manchester United from 2008 until 2012
Leicester are level on 46 points with United while fourth-placed Chelsea have won their last five games on the bounce across all competitions.
Reigning champions Liverpool will also be fighting for a Champions League place after their own recent slump.
And its led the Bulgarian pundit, 40, to warn United that the top four is NOT guaranteed at this stage of the season.
He continued: “If United continue to keep dropping unnecessary points to weaker teams I’m going to be worried for them making the top four.
“When you are challenging for the title it is unacceptable to drop points against the team that is bottom of the table and then the team second bottom of the table.
“Yes, you may drop points against the likes of City and Liverpool, when there is so much quality on the pitch but playing against teams down the table, you have to take the points otherwise you bring lots of problems on yourself.
“United must kick on, because they risk teams catching them and each week the race for a top four spot is getting tighter.”
Berbatov has also urged Real Madrid to consider selling Eden Hazard as he is ‘yet to prove anything’.
And he claimed Frank Lampard deserved more time to prove himself at Chelsea before he was axed.
Mason Greenwood signs new four-year Man Utd deal with 12-month option
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
