Manchester United might not qualify for next year's Champions League

The Red Devils faced a defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid in the round of 16. So the only way they can qualify next year is through a top-four finish in this season.

Ralf Rangnick’s team stands sixth in the current rankings, four points behind Arsenal FC, and even trails Tottenham Hotspur by one point.

United will visit Anfield and the Emirates Stadium next month, which could determine their future and Chelsea FC will step into Old Trafford in May.

Failure to enter the top four will have major ramifications for United as they prepare for a high-pressure season. However, there is still hope because the fourth position is unfilled at the moment.

United possibly facing a trophy drought in 40 Years

The Red Devils had failed to enter the top four three years ago under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's guidance. Similarly, the fan favorites might not make it to Europe’s premier club competition once again considering how there are fewer than 10 games to go in the current season.

Their loss could also set fire to their hopes of welcoming Erik ten Hag, a potential future replacement for Rangnick.

However, Gary Neville believes that their loss could motivate them to aim at a top-four finish in the Premier League despite being disappointed at United's strategy of attack on Tuesday's match.

He stated, "The only benefit of Manchester United going out last night if there is one at all, is that they are now 100 percent focused on the League and getting into the Champions League is their priority."

Neville continued, "Their best chance of getting into the Champions League and finishing in the top four is probably being out of the Champions League so they can focus everything on it. However, I'm not sure what that will have done for their confidence because it was a miserable night."

Rio Ferdinand on United's loss: There’s so much work to be done

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand is of the opinion that their season is over. "For Man United, the season to me seems over – what is there to really achieve?” he revealed on BT Sport and additionally remarked upon the rebuilding job at Old Trafford.

He said, "There’s so much work to be done. Rio Ferdinand is unsure of whether top managers may agree to work on the club's improvement.

"If you are looking to come here, it is a great project to be a part of, but I think managers might look at others clubs because there is less pressure where the spotlight isn’t on them as much," the veteran defender stated.

Regarding their last match, Paul Scholes called Ralf Rangnick out for choosing Harry Maguire over Victor Lindelof. "When he’s played, Lindelof has done okay. Nice and steady, not many mistakes. It seems everything Harry is doing has turned into an absolute disaster,".

Gary Neville was swift to call their defeat "miserable" but was not surprised at the result considering how the home team couldn't muster a workable approach at Old Trafford.