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Man United, Arsenal, Tottenham on different paths to Premier League's top four but will West Ham beat them all?

Forget the race for the Premier League title: the stakes are at their highest in the battle to finish fourth. Three huge clubs -- Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur -- appear locked in a race for the final spot in next season's Champions League after all being plunged into crisis this season, but they are taking different routes to salvaging their ambitions which may yet be dashed by the unlikely presence of West Ham United.

United are taking a strategic gamble right now on the managerial situation at Old Trafford.