The possibility of finishing in the top four for Manchester United is still alive, and the Red Devils will travel to Merseyside on Grand National day, but there are still plenty of obstacles to face before the season's conclusion at the end of this month.

When it comes to jumping over Beechers Brook, the problem for Ralf Rangnick is that his team has been squeezing through the tiniest of hurdles all season, and there are still a few to clear when the margin of error is now slim to non-existent.

Despite the fact that United still have to face Chelsea at Old Trafford, as well as Liverpool and Arsenal away from home in their remaining eight games, even Saturday's trip to Everton, who are fighting to avoid relegation, is fraught with anxiety.

Manchester United are outsiders compared to Tottenham and Arsenal in the race for the final Champions League slot because of the nine wins in their last 21 games under manager Ralf Rangnick. You wouldn't even rule out the possibility of West Ham finishing ahead of them.

However, even if United are defeated at the next hurdle, the season should not be regarded 'dead,' as Paul Pogba put it during the international break, even though they are currently playing as if they simply want these last weeks to be done.

No one in this squad should be under the impression that their next manager isn't paying attention to what is going on, and whether it's Erik ten Hag or Mauricio Pochettino who takes over in the summer, their decisions on the futures of some players will be influenced by what happens in the next few weeks.

United's character was once again called into question following their 1-1 draw with Leicester City last weekend, during which they failed to play like a club anxious to earn the three points that they so desperately needed.

Rangnick was careful not to criticize the club's mindset, but he did agree that the team lacked physical gifts to go along with its technical abilities.

"In the end, it all boils down to DNA: how fast should it be? There are plenty of technical guys on this team, but it could use a little more ruggedness "he stated.

"This is something a player has to have in their genetic make-up. Many of our players are technically excellent, and it is tough to turn them into muscular, aggressive players.

"Our prior performances have proved that we are capable of defeating other teams when we are on our game. However, today was a challenge. Many moments of the game featured Leicester being aggressive and violent. They were a source of frustration for us.

"It is what it is and it is tough to change. In my opinion, it has little to do with thinking, but rather with the players' DNA."

Because of the quick demise of United's season, it's difficult to completely separate the two issues: physical and mental. Youri Tielemans, James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, and Kelechi Iheanacho all looked hungry and better together at Old Trafford, but no one would argue that they are physically overpowering.

In light of Rangnick's statements, this team should have been put on notice. If they want to finish in the top four, they'll need to win at least six of their remaining eight games.

Players must understand that their own careers may be on the line if they fail to meet that standard. More than a few Old Trafford careers will be over if they coast through the next eight games of the season, waving the white flag on their campaign and being consistently outworked by opponents.