This archive report was first published on 13 December 2019.
Published on December 13, 2019, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has expressed confidence in his team's ability to fight for a top-four spot this season.
United's recent victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have propelled them to fifth place in the table, just five points behind the Champions League places.
However, a dip in form in October had threatened their chances of finishing in the top four, but Solskjaer remained optimistic about his players' abilities.
"It's never been ridiculous (finishing in the top four). We're not talking about winning the league now but I have said all along that this group needs time," Solskjaer told reporters after Thursday's Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar.
He emphasized the importance of developing as a group and maintaining a positive attitude, saying, "We need to develop as a group... and we're going to because they have the right attitude."
United face a challenging period ahead, with fixtures against Everton, Watford, Newcastle United, Burnley, and Arsenal.
"It's a vital period for us," Solskjaer added. "We want to get points in home games and I know Everton have had a big upturn with Big Dunc (Duncan Ferguson) coming in last week."
