Manchester United might still end up finishing within the Premier League’s top four come may despite their struggles this season, according to Rio Ferdinand.

United have slipped to seventh within the top flight standings after twenty five fixtures, with eight losses, eight draws and simply 9 wins on their record.

A 0-0 draw against Wolves at old Trafford on Sat marked the newest setback for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side as they did not capitalise on Chelsea ‘s 2-2 draw at Leicester city within the early kick-off.

Fourth-placed Chelsea have a six-point lead over United at present, however Tottenham moved to inside four points of the final Champions League spot once beating Manchester city 2-0 on Sunday.

The Red Devils are unable to string a major run of wins along this term, and Solskjaer has rarely had a neat squad to decide on from amid an injury crisis that has seen the likes of Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay sidelined.

United were, however, able to bring in Bruno Fernandes for €55 million (£47m/$61m) from Sporting in January, together with Odion Ighalo on loan from Shanghai Shenhua , each of whom are expected to play key roles over consequent few months.

And Ferdinand – who won six Premier League titles throughout his time at old Trafford – believes a top-four berth continues to be greatly “up for grabs” for his old club thanks to the fact consistency has additionally proved elusive for their main rivals.

“[United] haven’t been as consistent as we might like, however that happens with amendment and once there’s plenty of youth that has been brought into a squad,” he told Talksport.

“As a fan you wish your team to win, play well, get results, to see massive players boost up and score goals, and we’ve seen that sporadically for Manchester United this season.

“The target at the instant if to be within the Champions League and United are lucky there isn’t a team that has extremely gone on a rich vein of form to cement their place within the top four. thus it’s up for grabs.”

Ferdinand added on United’s poor form throughout the 2019-20 campaign: “Based on the success of previous years it paints a nasty image.

“Fans bear in mind that success, they bear in mind the players around that point and you get addicted to winning.

“Everyone needs to see their team produce the goods and once you explore the amount of investment that’s gone into this squad, the fans are sitting there saying: ‘We expect to see more out on the pitch’.

“We’re all sitting here talking and asking the questions on how it will be improved, thus hopefully, the powers that be at the club hit the right notes.”

United are going to be back in action following the Premier League’s winter break on February seventeen, after they take in a visit to Stamford Bridge for a vital clash against Chelsea.