Manchester United will not give up on top four without a fight, Nemanja Matic warns rivals

Nemanja Matic has warned Arsenal and Chelsea that Manchester United are now fully focused on securing a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Matic insists United will not allow their season to fizzle out after their wimpish exit from the FA Cup, a second successive defeat under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

While United are also preparing for a Champions League duel with Barcelona, their best hopes of silverware this season appear over after the defeat at Molineux.

“We have to give our best now to reach the top four. We cannot let it go like this,” said Matic.

“There is a lot to play for. We have eight games to play in the Premier League and we are fighting for the top four. We have the Champions League as well. We will see what we are able to do and how much quality we have.

“Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham will give their best to be in the top four. Everybody knows that. If you see two months ago we were 11 points behind Chelsea and now we are in a much better position. We have eight finals to play for us so we have to learn from this.”

Solskjaer remains in pole position to land the job permanently, and an announcement could even be made over the international break.

The defeat at Molineux was United’s worst performance under the Norwegian by some distance but Matic insists his impact has been significant since replacing Jose Mourinho

“I want Ole to stay. He is a great manager, very positive and the club will decide,” said the United midfielder.

“We will analyse this game to see where we made mistakes and see what we can do better. I am sure he will turn this situation around and we will do better.

“When you win 10 games that means a lot because it is not easy. We have lost the last two away to Arsenal and Wolves. I am not making an excuse but we have lost to two good sides.”