Manchester United managed to lift the doom and gloom surrounding the club by claiming an impressive 3-0 victory over Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
After all the criticism United have faced over the past few weeks, the comprehensive win over Spurs has suddenly given Louis van Gaal's side a sense of renewed confidence heading into a tough run-in over the next few months and subsequently, defender Chris Smalling has now expressed his belief that his side can finish in the top four this season.
Smalling stated that the 'bare minimum' for United this season will be a Champions League place and added that even a second place finish above the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, is well within the realms of possibility.
The 25-year old said: "Fourth is the minimum but second is a realistic target - especially after City's result at the weekend (they lost 1-0 to Burnley). And if we keep on performing like we did against Tottenham I don't see why we can't give it a good push.
"It is all very close. There is only a point between us and Arsenal and two between us and City. It's open all the way up to second place and we will be aiming for that. We want Champions League football back here. It's a must."
