Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy has hit out at the suggestion that being involved in the Europa League this season is the reason Manchester United have not finished in the Premier League's top four, noting Rafael Benitez's achievement with the Blues.

A 2-1 defeat away at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday saw Jose Mourinho's men certain to now finish outside the top four in the Premier League.




The Red Devils could yet make the Champions League if they can beat Ajax in the final of the Europa League and Mourinho insisted he had to prioritise the European competition over the Premier League due to the number of available players he has had and the games coming thick and fast.

A Manchester United fan channel on Twitter wrote: "Cold truth is if United hadn't been in Europe like Chelsea and Liverpool we'd be comfortably top 4. One game a week is worth 10 points at least." 
 


Cundy was quick to shoot down the theory though and pointed to Benitez's reign as proof.

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He replied: "Cold truth, Chelsea changed managers and in 2013 won the Europa League and finished in the top 4!"

Chelsea were led into the top four, finishing in third place, and to success in the Europa League by former Liverpool manager Benitez in 2013.

Benitez picked up the pieces at Stamford Bridge in November 2012 following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo.

Manchester United play Ajax in the final of the Europa League on 24th May in Stockholm.