Leicester City’s Festivities Highlight Manchester United’s Current Predicament

OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER, ENGLAND — Before Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Sunday, there was a palpable sense of excitement around Old Trafford. The occasion had a big-game feel—the kind that has been rare this season.

But in truth, while United were—and still just about are—in with a shout of a UEFA Champions League spot next season, it was a big game because of what was at stake for the visitors rather than the home team. Fourth place is an ignoble goal for the Red Devils. Leicester, on the other hand, had an eye on sporting history.

United fans are used to seeing the league title decided at their home ground—perhaps some of that sense memory contributed to the buzz around the stadium. Seeing the Foxes fans celebrating edging closer to their remarkable moment, though, drew stark contrast with United’s current predicament.

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At his pre-match press conference, Van Gaal was asked whether he was embarrassed by the gap between his side and Leicester. He replied: 

We are still in the first five, last year we were in the first four, so the difference in points [to Leicester] is not bigger than with Chelsea I believe.

The question for us is to qualify [for the Champions League]. Fourth position is okay, third position then we have reached our aim. But we have of course a final to play in the FA Cup, so we have pluses.

We are more or less in the same position only last year we didn’t play so many matches. We have played a lot of matches. I think only Manchester City has played one more and Liverpool probably.

We were one of the latest clubs in three competitions, and in spite of all the injuries we are still there.

I don’t think you …

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