MANCHESTER UNITED interim boss Ralf Rangnick has admitted that the top four is now out of reach.
The Red Devils final hopes of qualifying for the Champions League were shattered when they lost 3-1 to Arsenal in a heated clash at the Emirates Stadium.
It signifies a slump in form for United after they were also crushed by four goals against Liverpool earlier this week.
The club officially confirmed Erik Ten Hag as their next permanent manager on Thursday.
And German interim-boss Rangnick has given up on securing a spot among Europe's elite for his successor.
The despondent gaffer spoke to following the disappointing defeat.
The 63-year-old said: "Yeah, pretty sure for me even before that game it was not very likely, but after this result top four is gone."
Rangnick highlighted the defensive woes, which have followed the team all season.
He said: "Improved performance but a disappointing result.
"For me the only weak side was that we didn't defend well inside and around the box.
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"The same thing happened when we conceded the second and third goals."
Centre-back Harry Maguire was named on the bench after falling victim of a vile bomb threat.
Maguire has been subject to abuse all season long from United fans, and was even booed by so-called England supporters despite his brilliant performances in a Three Lions shirt.
But the 29-year-old refuses to be forced out of the club and a spokesperson for the defender branded the person who made the bomb threat a "coward".
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