Manchester United's Optimism for Top-Four Finish Despite Shocking Home Loss to Fulham

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag remains optimistic about his team's chances of achieving a top-four Premier League finish, despite their recent shock home loss to Fulham. The defeat, with a scoreline of 2-1, marked Fulham's first win at Old Trafford since 2003 and only their second in 61 years. United had been on a five-game unbeaten streak in the league prior to this loss. Ten Hag acknowledged the disappointment of the defeat, referring to it as a 'lost final.' However, he emphasized the team's positive trajectory and the challenges they have faced, including injuries to key players such as Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw. Ten Hag believes that once the squad is fully fit, they will be a formidable team. United currently sits in sixth place in the Premier League table with 44 points, while Aston Villa, who are in fourth place, have 52 points. Despite the eight-point gap, Ten Hag remains confident that his team can close the distance and secure a top-four finish. United's loss comes shortly after new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe expressed his ambition to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool. The team now faces a crucial FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest and the Manchester derby against City in the coming days.