Ince: Man Utd play school playground football & UEL is their only hope

The former Red Devils midfielder has not been impressed with what he's seen from the club and believes a top-four place already looks out of reach

Ahead of Thursday's meeting with AZ in the Europa League, former United midfielder Ince believes that winning that competition is their only realistic hope of securing a place in next season's Champions League.

He told Paddy Power: "For me, Ole needs to focus on the Europa League now and make it a priority. Similar to how Jose Mourinho did, he knows that realistically, it’s United’s best chance of Champions League football.

"Because, let’s be honest, top four looks like it’s going to be a struggle. At the minute, they don’t look like they will make it.

"And while United are falling, teams like Leicester are building and looking to make those spots. And, realistically, all United can hope for nowadays is a top four place, because they’re so far off winning a league title.

"It’s a trophy, it’s a Champions League space, and when your team look like they might not be capable of making the top four in the Premier League – why not try and win it? It’s got to be the main target.

"Don’t throw away the league of course, but I don’t want to see a weakened team against AZ Alkmaar. I know it’s not a tough opponent, but both that game and Newcastle this weekend should be games they’re winning, no question.

"It’ll be very disappointing if they don’t win both. For United, at the moment, every game is a big game."

Ince also highlighted the lack of quality in the draw with the Gunners and likened the quality of the match to something you might see on a school playground.

He added: "When I watched the Man Utd vs Arsenal match on Monday - with all the misplaced passes, people losing the ball, etc - it genuinely reminded me of being in the playground at school playing football, not watching two of the biggest teams in England!