Brown: United may need perfect finish to seal Champions League spot

Wes Brown believes Manchester United can afford no more slip-ups if they are to qualify for next season's Champions League.

United are battling Aston Villa and Tottenham for fourth place in the Premier League and have work to do, trailing their two rivals by nine and six points respectively with just 10 matches remaining.

Whoever finishes fifth could yet make Europe's premier competition too, dependent on which nations end up earning extra spots via UEFA coefficient totals.

Yet Brown, who made 362 appearances for the Red Devils in his playing days, still fears his old side may need a perfect run-in to seal the deal.

Speaking to LiveScore, the 44-year-old said: "I don't think we'll have any more chances if we don't win every game.

"It's that sort of gap now where we need favours from other teams. Tottenham and Aston Villa have been too good for that this season.

"They have got to take the confidence and energy from the Liverpool FA Cup win into the league now.

"That was one of the best games I've ever seen at Old Trafford. The way they won it, it's got to give the players so much confidence.

"You're only as good as your last game, so they now have to focus on themselves and push for a perfect finish."

Main man

Though Erik ten Hag's side have struggled for consistency this term, the performances of academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo have been a real highlight.

The 18-year-old midfielder was drafted into England's senior squad for the first time yesterday and Brown has been blown away by the Stockport-born starlet's emergence.

Brown said: "Ever since he came into the team he's been absolutely fantastic.

"He looks like he's got an old head on his shoulders for such a young age. I love the way he plays, the calmness.

"As a defender giving him the ball, you know he doesn't panic. He wants the ball, he plays it forward and opens up spaces.

"Obviously he's still a kid and he's not fully grown yet but the pure ease he has on the ball is the sign of a truly great player."

And the ex-defender would not be surprised to see Mainoo feature in the Three Lions' upcoming clashes with Brazil and Belgium.

He added: "It's his first squad, so I think the older boys will start. But if anything goes wrong, he has a chance.

"Gareth [Southgate] has got him in there to see how he deals with training alongside the senior lads, so if he impresses, we may well see him over the two games."

Crossing the border

Brown was speaking at the announcement of a summer friendly between his old club and Scottish giants Rangers, which will be played at Edinburgh's Murrayfield stadium on July 20.

Looking ahead to the game, Brown said: "Both sets of fans are crazy!

"I was in the squad the last time these two played back in 2010 in the Champions League and the atmosphere was unreal.

"It's great that we can get this game on and what better venue could you ask for than Murrayfield?

"I have no doubt it'll be a sell-out and it's a day that both sets of supporters can come together and really enjoy."

Going to market

If United's new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has his way, those in attendance could see some new signings in action.

However, Brown is expecting a much more measured approach to the transfer market at Old Trafford over the coming years.

He explained: "I don't think there's going to be any panic buying this summer. He [Ratcliffe] has come in with a clear plan.

"They will be looking at certain players, maybe of a younger profile than we've seen previously — that's how I think he wants to go about it.

"But you've got players under contract and you can't just go and get all of your targets in one window, so it's going to take time."

Manchester United face Rangers at Murrayfield this July, with tickets on pre-sale now via Ticketmaster and Ticketek.