Same as Arsenal: Man Utd would be tied on points with the Gunners if they avoided this
Manchester United have made good progress under interim head coach Michael Carrick, and they are currently fourth in the Premier League with 45 points.
The Red Devils are 13 points adrift of Arsenal at the top of the table, and a title race seems unlikely even though they have a game in hand over the Gunners.
However, things could have been quite different had they avoided hitting the woodwork this term.
United have been very unlucky in that department. The Red Devils have hit the woodwork 18 times, the most by a club, followed by Newcastle United (14).
Opta Analyst have now provided an update on how clubs would have fared this season if all the woodwork shots, for and against, had found the back of the net.
Based on this, United would have gained 10 more points (55) and would be tied with Arsenal, who would have lost three points from their current tally (58).
Manchester City, who are presently second in the standings with 53 points on the board, would have benefitted from this and moved to the summit (57).
United have been unfortunate with their tendency to hit the woodwork this campaign. Had they been more efficient with their chances, they could have been serious title contenders.
Ruben Amorim could likewise have continued at the helm as manager. Hopefully, the Red Devils will be more clinical in front of goal for the remainder of the ongoing league campaign.
A top-five league finish could be sufficient to qualify for the Champions League. United are presently three points ahead of sixth-placed Liverpool, with a superior goal difference as well.
United have only the league games to worry about, while the Reds and Chelsea, behind them (one point), need to cope with the extra workload of playing in the FA Cup and Champions League.
Hence, the Red Devils are best placed to secure a Champions League berth next term.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .