Jamie Redknapp picks fourth-place finisher from Man Utd, Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham

Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa: Rangnick reaction

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Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes Manchester United are the “favourites” to snatch the illusive fourth place position. Ralf Rangnick’s men burst into the Champions League places for the first time since the German replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, after the Reds snatched a late victory against West Ham United.

Marcus Rashford tapped home an Edinson Cavani cross in the dying seconds of the match to secure a vital three points for the Reds.

Tottenham Hotspur’s fourth defeat against Chelsea of the season and Arsenal’s frustrating 0-0 draw at home to Burnley means United will finish this game-week in the top four.

Antonio Conte’s Spurs side were soundly beaten 2-0 by the reigning Champions League holders, while Mikel Arteta’s men were made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal.

And Redknapp believes United may be too hard to catch, unless Tottenham can strengthen their side in the transfer window.

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“Man United are favourites to get 4th for me,” Redknapp said before Tottenham travelled to Chelsea.

“But they’ve (Spurs) given themselves a great chance and getting the manager in when they did has made a huge difference for them.

“I said it a few weeks ago and I’ll say it again, if you give him the funds and get him the right players there’s no reason why he can’t achieve so much at Tottenham.

“It’s all there but they need one or two to thicken the squad up and make them better.”

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While performances may not have always convinced, results have seem to have turned around since Rangnick took over the reins.

United have won five of his eight Premier League matches, and their recent victories over Brentford and David Moyes’ side was the second time they have registered back-to-back victories under the German.

And Rangnick believes his side merited the three points against West Ham, despite the lateness of their goal.

“If you score in the last second of the game that is the best type of win, a clean sheet,” said Rangnick.

“I think in the end we deserved to win. It takes patience to play West Ham.

“A few moments at the end I wished we would have passed the ball instead of shooting from wherever.

“Bearing in mind we played a few days ago against Brentford, the team looked physically good. We knew it would take patience, the way we played defensively, won balls back, I was really happy with that.

“I am very pleased the three subs prepared the goal and scored the goal. All were involved. That makes it even more important.”

United may be the side residing in fourth position, but the competition for the final Champions League spot is very tense.

Only two points separate United from seventh placed Tottenham, while only four points separate Wolves from a very unlikely Champions League finish – it really is all to play for.

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