Rio Ferdinand has told ESPN FC he still thinks Manchester United can target a top-four finish in the Premier League despite being nine points adrift.
United, who are sixth, face fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sunday, trailing Mauricio Pochettino's side by six points.
Jose Mourinho's men, on 21 points, are nine points adrift of third-placed Liverpool and fourth-placed Manchester City. Arsenal are 10 points ahead of United and leaders Chelsea are 13 points better off than Mourinho's side.
Speaking to his former West Ham United teammate Shaka Hislop, Ferdinand was asked if the Europa League had become Manchester United's best opportunity to qualify for the Champions League.
The former United defender replied: "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."
When asked about the chances of United cutting the nine-point gap behind the top four, Ferdinand added: "In many other seasons gone by, I would have said I don't think that's possible and they wouldn't be able to catch teams from nine points behind at Christmas, but I don't think that other teams are that much more consistent that they are going to be streets and streets ahead. Lots of teams are going to drop points.
"I see Manchester City dropping points -- they are not as consistent as everyone would expect. Liverpool lost to Bournemouth at the weekend -- not what everyone expects. Tottenham have come out of a bit of a slump, in terms of not winning games and drawing too many, and are doing alright now, but I don't see everyone being consistent.
"Chelsea seem to be the most consistent team at the moment, but we'll have to wait and see. Arsenal over the years have dropped points in the league at times, when you think they should be going on a run.
"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."