Cape Town - Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes the club still has a shot at finishing in the top four of the English Premiership this season.
The Red Devils have endured a tough campaign thus far and find themselves in sixth position, nine points adrift Liverpool in third and Manchester City in fourth.
United do, however, have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League via the Europa League, with the winner of that final automatically qualifying for Europe's elite club competition.
When asked about qualifying through the Europa League, Ferdinand told ESPN FC: "I'd say it's as good an opportunity as any other.
"I still think, in the league, Manchester United have got players with experience and they are capable of going on a run. I see there are still inconsistencies in the teams above them. People can be caught, just on that basis.
"But the Europa League is a fantastic opportunity for them to really put some results together and strive to get that to that final. If you get to that final and win then you are in the Champions League, so that is a great incentive.
"I just don't see too many teams running away from Manchester United. I still think Manchester United can get their paws on the other teams.