After their two results this week, one good and one okay, Manchester United should be confident that they will finish in the top four.

Despite a frustrating draw against Spurs, a 1-0 win against a good Aston Villa side helped put them seven points above fifth with a game in hand.

Although a point against Spurs is on paper a decent result, the fact United were two up and cruising makes the draw feel more like a loss. Even more so when you consider the absolute disarray Tottenham has been in over the last couple of weeks.

United looked like they were going to add to their misery after a dominant first half, with goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford. But Spurs came out with a point to prove and capitalised on United’s complacency.

The turning point was probably the double substitution of Fred and Anthony Martial who failed to get up to pace with the game. And taking off Christian Eriksen left United without their best passer at a time when they needed control.

United had the opportunity to restore their two-goal lead minutes after Spurs’ first goal, but Bruno Fernandes was agonisingly denied by the crossbar.

The game finished 2-2. By no means a terrible outcome but an annoying one given the context.

Sunday’s match against Aston Villa almost played out in a similar fashion. United led at halftime after a good first half. With Villa threatening to level the game in the second half.

Bruno Fernandes scored the only goal and United could have scored more. However, their passing and runs in behind were out of sync and were unable to exploit Villa’s very high line. A slick playing surface caused by the rain may have been a contributing factor.

You could feel the nerves around Old Trafford in the second half, as Villa searched for an equaliser. The crowd feared a repeat of Thursday night and they knew how important a win would be for Ten Hag’s side.

And had it not been for a goal-line clearance from Victor Lindelof, United may have come away with just a draw. The Swede was in the right place at the right time after a solid game, similar to midweek.

In recent weeks, he and Shaw have struck up an unlikely but effective partnership at centre half. Which could prove vital to the remainder of United’s season following the injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

Shaw in particular has stood out in Martinez’s absence. It’s not the first time this season he’s been asked to fill in at centre half and he’s adapting well. Along with showing the importance of having a left-footed central defender, the England international has had a tremendous individual season.

Sunday’s win eases some of the pressure for the following game against Brighton – which hasn’t been played at the time of writing – and United could settle for a point. This won’t be easy as Brighton will be looking for revenge after their loss in the FA Cup Semi-Final.

Also United have a tragic away record away to sides in the top half of the table. Losing six, drawing one and only winning one. This is something that needs to improve next season if they want to mount any form of title charge.

But for now, a top-four finish and at least one trophy would merit a successful season. Although until it’s mathematically secured, fans won’t be able to go into games feeling calm.

United then follow up their match against Brighton with a trip to West Ham on Sunday.

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