Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith is still backing Man Utd to finish in the Premier League top 5.

The former Arsenal striker was asked in May to name the clubs who would seal Champions League qualification this season, and he chose Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Michael Carrick‘s team.

Speaking exclusively to Man U News (courtesy of Best Betting Sites UK), Smith said that despite the Red Devils’ poor start to the campaign, he would only swap in Villa for Chelsea, keeping United in the mix:

“Well, Chelsea have got to come into that equation now, haven’t they? Maybe at the expense of Villa. Xabi Alonso seems to be getting things together, and there’s no burden of Europe, which I think is going to help them. The other teams have that burden. So it wasn’t far off, because Liverpool are slowly getting things together under Iraola as well, showing signs. So yeah, maybe Chelsea coming in for Villa.”

What are the chances of Man Utd sealing UCL qualification?

Unlike Smith, statisticians Opta are much more pessimistic about United’s chances of finishing in the top 5 as things stand. The probability of Champions League qualification is rated at just 8.2%

Of course, results can change that outlook, and a lot hinges on whether the team can build on the 1-1 draw against Leeds last weekend.

Who do Man Utd play in their next 5 league fixtures?

Carrick’s men face Bournemouth at home on Sunday afternoon before travelling to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea in the Saturday lunchtime kickoff the following weekend.

Before the end of November, the Red Devils will also play Aston Villa at Old Trafford, Liverpool at Anfield, as well as Brentford on home turf.