Carragher claims UCL qualification would put Ashworth in a 'difficult position'

Manchester United's incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth will be put in a 'difficult position' should Erik ten Hag's side sneak a Champions League spot, according to Jamie Carragher.

The Red Devils are now just six points off the top-four following their late 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.

Ashworth meanwhile is expected to make the move to Old Trafford, with Man United and his current club Newcastle expected to reach an agreement early next week.

Though finishing inside the Champions League qualification spots would mark a remarkable turnaround for the Red Devils in what has been a frustrating season, Carragher believes that it would make it tough for Ashworth to replace Ten Hag.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, by Sky Bet, Carragher said: 'To decide if Erik ten Hag is the manager for next season. And I think with Ten Hag it's an interesting one because the better they do you obviously think that is better for United.

'But if United keep winning, the way they won on Sunday – that's not sustainable. If they almost get through and get a Champions League spot, I actually think that puts the ownership and Dan Ashworth in a difficult position because you can't win the league like that.

'I'm not talking like a six-week period. We've all been there where you nick a few results, but we are actually of two years in.

'Look, we've said it a million times about Erik ten Hag's style of play, it is what we are seeing now – I'm not sure you can win the biggest of trophies playing like that.

'I think [Dave] Brailsford will know that, and obviously Dan Ashworth, looking at the way Liverpool play, or City, or even Arsenal for be fair. My point being is you could get to the stage where Manchester United are finishing in the