Match Preview: The ”Red Devils” Manchester United Vs The ”Bluebirds” Cardiff City

The Red Devils have no chance of playing in the Champions League season, since blowing their last hopes last week with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Huddersfield.

A spot in the Europa League has been confirmed, though an entry in the group stage will be confirmed with a fifth-place finish.

Should Solskjaer’s men finish in sixth – which is awarded a Europa League place because Manchester City won the Carabao Cup but will be in the Champions League – their position of entry to Europe will depend on who wins the FA Cup.

And so, with nothing left to play for save for their own supporters, United should finish their league season with a victory over Cardiff to ensure that they start their summer on the right foot.

United are expected to undergo major squad surgery during the transfer window, with Ander Herrera the first to have confirmed his departure after five years at Old Trafford.

“There is red in my heart, I knew it from the first time I played here and in the moment that I started to wear it,” the Spaniard said in a farewell video released by the club.

“A club with thousands of fans that respect and remember all the players who give everything.

“I felt special when I heard my name chanted. I felt proud when the fans decided I was part of this incredible history.”

The final game against the Welsh side is set to be Herrera’s final appearance in the United shirt, while the fates of Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez are also up in the air following inconsistent and lukewarm seasons. Antonio Valencia and Juan Mata are also expected to be shown the door this summer.

Though Solskjaer was announced as the club’s permanent manager after taking over from Jose Mourinho on an interim basis in December, former Tottenham coach Tim Sherwood believes that that hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of Mauricio Pochettino taking the reigns at the north London club.

“Manchester United decided to go down the Solskjaer route but that’s not a guarantee Pochettino won’t be in their dugout in the near future,” he told media.

“If United decide they’ve made a mistake, Tottenham are back to square one sweating over Pochettino’s future.

“That’s the stranglehold that a Manchester United can have on you as one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

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