Jose Mourinho was right all along: finishing in the top four does appear the more difficult route into next season's Champions League for Manchester United.
Three games to go in the Premier League and four points behind Manchester City plays a possible two games left in the Europa League. Mourinho has nailed his colours to the continental mast and that is not about to change now after Arsenal's victory at Southampton.
United lie sixth and the pressure is mounting at Old Trafford ahead of Thursday night's semi final. They should beat Celta Vigo, particularly given the first leg lead, although that is by no means certain.