Manchester United must beat Chelsea this weekend, says Wes Brown

Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown says there is still time for Jose Mourinho's side to secure a top-four finish.

But Brown thinks it is imperative United start taking points off the division's other top sides, starting on Sunday when Chelsea visit Old Trafford (live on Sky Sports 1).

United are currently fifth, four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, but Jose Mourinho's side have a game in hand.

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And United's eight remaining games include this weekend's massive Super Sunday encounter plus trips to Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham.

Brown was at United between 1996 and 2011 and he told Sky Sports News HQ that Sunday's game will be critical.

"They need to win it really," he said. "It is getting to that stage in the season now where they need to be beating the big boys.

"Chelsea have been brilliant all season and. if they (United) can get past that hurdle, then the remaining games become very important.

"Fourth is still on. It is difficult, with the teams above, but hopefully they have still got a chance - and in the Cup (Europa League) as well."

Brown is currently playing and coaching at Blackburn but he was at Sunderland between 2011 and 2016, and fears his old club are facing certain relegation.

The Black Cats are 10 points behind 17th-place Hull and Brown added: "They have not had a good season and it looks like they will be down now.

"I think it is too many points to catch up but they have just got to keep on fighting and then see what happens.

"As long as the fighting spirit doesn't go down, then the fans can see they are giving all they can.

"But they have not won enough games this season and have not been good enough in that sense."

Brown was speaking to us at a Easter Holiday camp where he has been helping youngsters develop their footballing skills.

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