FIFTH has become the new fourth in the Premier League thanks to Manchester Citys Champions League ban from UEFA.
It meant that a defeat to Chelsea last night probably wouldnt have been the disaster for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and United that it might have been, had City not been hit with such a punishment.
But that wasnt the case, and the 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge, Solskjaers third victory against Frank Lampards side this season, means that all of a sudden United are in the mix for not just a Europa League place, but a Champions League one too.
Before the game on Sky Sports, Roy Keane summed his mood up on Solskjaer when he said: If youre a manager at Manchester United, he needs to win a few more games. Hes won nine, Burnley have won ten.
It turned into another decent showing against one of the bigger boys something Solskjaer seems to specialise in.
Big money signing Bruno Fernandes looked more than assured in possession and eager to play the more risky challenging pass at a high tempo, something United havent had since Paul Scholes or Wayne Rooneys latter games at the club.
Albeit with a bit of luck, its four clean sheets in a row for United, and even late substitute Odion Ighalo might have scored on his debut if it wasnt for the outrushing Chelsea keeper Willy Caballero.
The midfield looks more robust too, with Nemanja Matic rolling back the years, and Fred putting in the type of consistent performances that United fans thought theyd only see from him on YouTube at former club Shakhtar Donetsk.
Paul Pogba is still in recovery and its unknown if hell play for the club again, but Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford will return and strengthen Uniteds charge even further.
But what does the change of circumstance at Manchester City mean for Solskjaers future at the club?
The fact that United are having to rely on luck to get anywhere near the Champions League tells its own tale and is a real sign of just how far theyve fallen.
The table doesnt lie and the points total, regardless of how near United might be to the Champions League places, is the worst since the Premier League began.
But City’s plight nevertheless does give him a fighting chance to turn one of Uniteds worst campaigns in recent memory into something positive.
With Mauricio Pochettinos shadow hanging over him, a Europa League place seems the minimum requirement if Solskjaer is to still be at the wheel next season.
Watford at home this weekend, suddenly feels like the biggest game of the season.
