Louis Saha Claims United Will Struggle For Top Four Finish

Louis Saha believes that Manchester United need more than Juan Mata to get back into the top four as the side struggle to get into contention for Champions League qualification.

United are currently seventh in the table and while they are six points off fourth-placed Liverpool they also have to contend with competition from Everton and Tottenham for a top four spot.

And Saha, who also played for the Toffees and Spurs before ending his career at Lazio, believes that while United have now got Mata on side it won't be enough to overtake three clubs in the fight for Champions League football.

When asked if United would finish in the top four he told Talksport: "I doubt it. Obviously there will be changes. Mata will bring them something new but it will take them a big, big run to catch the fourth spot."

The acquisition of Mata comes at a time when Wayne Rooney is reportedly entering into contract talks with United to prolong his stay at Old Trafford.

And Saha believes securing the future of the England international is a move that will take the club in the right direction.

"The style of play is not right and a player like Mata is going to have the same sort of impact as [Mesut] Ozil did for Arsenal," he explained. "I really hope straight away it's a good thing for the team because they desperately need some creativity in there.

"Rooney's new contract is massive in terms of going forward and knowing what kind of future we can look at for Manchester United for next season.

"It's two great signings in a week and obviously in terms of [further] signings in the summer it means they can keep doing the same thing. It is a huge signing and obviously a sign that things are going well now."