Paul Merson warns Manchester United ahead of Tottenham Hotspur clash

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has said that Manchester United won't qualify for next season's Champions League if they lose to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

United currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, but they are at the start of a difficult run of games against the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.

The Red Devils have been criticised in recent weeks for some poor performances, and Merson believes that defeat on Sunday would put a real dent in their top-four hopes.

He told Sky Sports News: "If Man Utd lose this match, then they can say goodbye to their top-four chances. They've have got some tough games to come. Louis van Gaal doesn't know his best eleven yet and Man Utd don't know who their best manager is.

"I don't think they can say confidently 'he's the man', not after what I've been watching the last seven months."

United lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Monday.