Manchester United has claimed that the games against Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid might decide the destiny of the season.Rangnick and United will face Atletico Madrid one more shortly.
If Manchester United fail to beat Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, former centre-back John O'Shea feels they would face a "uphill challenge" to finish in the top four.
United, who defeated Spurs 3-0 in their last meeting in north London in October, will face Antonio Conte's side, who are only two points ahead of them in the table. Spurs reduced the gap to that margin with a 5-0 thrashing of Everton on Monday night, securing their third win in four outings.Ralf Rangnick's squad welcomes Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford with the hope of avenging their 4-1 derby humiliation to Manchester City on Sunday. United faltered after the break, conceding four goals for the fourth time this season, despite a spirited and positive first half performance.
United, on the other hand, cannot afford to be pessimistic, since the match against Spurs on Saturday will be crucial to their hopes of securing top-flight European competition next season. And former United defender O'Shea has emphasized the importance of the Tottenham game, as well as the second leg of United's Champions League last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid."They're massive, massive games," O'Shea told MUTV. "I don't want to say season-defining, but it's coming to the stage where if you don't get the maximum points against Tottenham, it's going to be an uphill battle to get into the Champions League."
"Of course, the Champions League is extremely important to the club. If you get beyond Atletico, who knows what might happen?Ralf Rangnick, the manager of Manchester United, faces a critical era.
"There are two big games coming up, but let's start with Spurs and see if we can work something out. We're hoping to have a few more bodies back for that as well."
Despite the fact that United's players are sure to be hurting from their loss to Pep Guardiola's table-topping side, they must find the fortitude and spirit to get back on their feet. O'Shea also commented on the reaction to the derby: "First and foremost, you must examine yourself, followed by the entire team.
"All of the lads live in Manchester, and when they drop their kids off at school or go to work, they'll have to pass them by and receive some criticism. They'll have to see them and receive some feedback. All you have to do now is brush yourself off and beat Tottenham and Atletico, and smiles will return to your cheeks."
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