TALLADEGA, Ala. – Jeffrey Earnhardt will embark on a historic first this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, the track where much of the Earnhardt family’s NASCAR legacy was first cemented.

At the same 2.66-mile Alabama behemoth where his grandfather Dale Sr. won 10 times in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and his uncle Dale Jr. took six Cup Series checkered flags, Earnhardt will pull double duty for the first time, racing in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Cup Series events.

On the Xfinity Series side, Earnhardt will drive the No. 18 Toyota Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing, seeking his first win of the season after a strong performance at Daytona Int’l Speedway back in February.

Meanwhile, on the Cup Series frontier, the fourth-generation driver will pilot the No. 81 Toyota Camry as Xtreme Concepts Racing – the organization founded by Earnhardt’s sponsor’s CEO, Landon Ash – debuts at NASCAR’s top level just one month after racing in the Xfinity Series at Texas Motor Speedway.

It will make for a busy weekend for the 29-year-old Earnhardt, but it’s a challenge he’s eagerly looking forward to.

“Double duty will definitely be a new experience for me, but it’s something we’ve been preparing for. The JGR cars have been fast every race,” Earnhardt said. “We’ve seen Kyle (Busch) go out and absolutely dominate in the No. 18, and we’ve been able to pull out some really great runs, so I’m excited to have another shot at it, especially after doing so well at Daytona.

“The Cup race will be a bit different. The Xtreme Concepts team is still new and it’s only our first Cup start this year, but we’ve had a lot of help from Joe Gibbs Racing to prepare,” he continued. “If you look back at Texas … that was the first Xfinity race for Xtreme Concepts. We fought for position all day and ended up in the top-10 before it was all over. I think you can look at that and see we aren’t just here to finish.

“We’re here to finish up front and fight for every spot, and it will be the same on Sunday.”

Earnhardt is instantly reminded of the unique atmosphere at Talladega every time he comes to the track, not only because it’s one of the most unpredictable on the schedule, but because of his family’s deep legacy of success there.

“Talladega has always been a special place – not just for me, but the whole Earnhardt family. We’ve all seen the success my grandfather and uncle have had there, and for the most part, it’s treated me well,” said Earnhardt. “There’s something different about Talladega. The fans are so emotionally connected to what is going on, and the feeling you get when you pull into this huge track with all of the campers and people in the infield. You’ll never see or feel that anywhere else.

“I think knowing the family history and what they were both able to accomplish definitely adds to that feeling for me.”

While he knows that the draft creates plenty of opportunities for success at Talladega, Earnhardt also realizes that there’s a bigger picture goal of bringing his two rides home in one piece this weekend.

That doesn’t mean he’s not going to go for it, however.

“This weekend is about putting on a great show and coming out of Talladega with two good finishes between Joe Gibbs Racing and Xtreme Concepts Racing,” Earnhardt noted. “The support from these two groups has been amazing, and the best way for me to show that is to go out, take care of the equipment and be there at the end with a chance to win. We don’t know what to expect at Talladega. You never know how the race is going to play out, but if you can hang around and make it to those final laps, you’ve got a chance to take home a trophy.

“There have been a lot of learning moments this year and I’m sure we have some more coming, but we’ve had fast Toyotas and I know that isn’t going to be any different this week.”

WELCOME, N.C. – ARCA Menards Series regular Joe Graf Jr. has joined Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR Xfinity Series program.

Graf will pilot the No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro in select NASCAR Xfinity Series events this year for the team. In addition, Graf will also work as a marketing and communications intern at RCR. He is currently a freshman at New York University.

The 20-year-old’s first race will be at Michigan Int’l Speedway this June.

“This is an amazing opportunity that wouldn’t be possible without NYU and RCR working together,” said Graf. “For my internship to be with one of the most recognizable teams in NASCAR is unbelievable. To then think that I will also have the opportunity to drive the No. 21 car is really exciting.”

“I am pumped for the opportunity to learn all facets of this business,” continued Graf Jr. “From inside the cockpit to the corporate office. The quality of the RCR organization speaks for itself, especially celebrating their 50th anniversary this season. I am eager to learn, contribute and compete.”

While racing for RCR this season, Graf will also have the chance to learn the science of racing, by spending behind-the-scenes time with the competition and engineering teams. Graf will have the opportunity to attend competition meetings and debriefs, get simulator time, and assist with pit stop practice.

“We’re happy to have Joe joining us in such a unique developmental role as a driver and intern,” said Torrey Galida, president of RCR. “It’s not often that drivers get the opportunity to learn both in and out of the race car, and we hope that’s what Joe is able to do with his dual role here. It’s very helpful for drivers to understand the technical and business side of the sport, and Joe gets that. We’re confident he’s going to be successful both on and off the track for RCR.”

Graf is currently competing full-time in the ARCA Menards Series, and will balance his internship and starts with RCR with his current race schedule. During his 2018 debut season in ARCA, the Mahwah, N.J., native secured one win, six top-five and eight top-10 finishes. He was also involved in the closest finish in ARCA history when he placed second at Talladega Superspeedway in a statistical tie.

MANCHESTER, England -- Pep Guardiola has compared Manchester City to Usain Bolt and Tiger Woods because of the way they have set a new standard in the Premier League.

City won last season's title with a record 100 points, and will be champions again if they win their final three games of the season.

They have won their last 11 games and must extend that to 14 -- starting at Burnley on Sunday -- to be the first club to defend the title in a decade.

"Before it was easier than last season -- everybody could lose to anybody. This season, two teams won a lot of games. That's the standard we have set," Guardiola told a news conference.

"Like Usain Bolt when he does a 100 metre race -- that's the standard. Other people have to reach it. Like Jack Nicklaus with 18 Grand Slams and Tiger Woods, that's the standard, it's the same.

"One hundred points last season? If you want to compete, you have to do that.

"I say right now, to maintain that level now after what we've done, I'd sign for that. I don't expect more than that.

"To do that we have to push each other, knowing the other teams are at the same level as us, focus on every single game, do what you have to do to win that game, respect the opponents, work hard and improve on what we have done this season -- that's the only way I know."

Kevin De Bruyne is ruled out of the trip to Turf Moor with a hamstring injury, while Fernandinho faces a late test on a knee problem.

City beat Burnley 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the season, but Guardiola said he expected a much tougher afternoon away from home.

"Always it is hard there, they do really well what they do," he added. "We have to prepare and we are prepared. It's the end of the season, the last games, and everyone feels pressure.

"Today we have day off and then we prepare for Burnley's tough points."

Big picture

The bottom of the IPL 2019 table has lit up over the last few weeks. Three teams are now tied on eight points after 11 games, and each of them still has a chance to make the playoffs. Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore have put themselves in this position through small tweaks; Royals changed their captain and their batting order, and now have a batting line-up that looks more potent than it did before Steven Smith took over.

The agenda for them against Sunrisers Hyderabad is straightforward - win. They need to win all three of their games to stay in contention. But they have a massive challenge: Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes have left for England, and Smith will soon be gone as well. The stakes are automatically higher as a result.

Sunrisers have lost Jonny Bairstow to England's World Cup camp as well, but at ten points from ten games, they have a match in hand and a slightly higher margin for error - two wins out of four games will still keep them in contention. They also have only minor changes to endure as far as overseas talent goes, and will be looking to wrap up the league stage in good form.

In the news

Buttler, Archer and Stokes will take no further part for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, and Bairstow flew out to England on April 24 following Sunrisers' game against Chennai.

Kane Williamson, who had flown back to New Zealand for personal reasons before the Super Kings match, has returned ahead of the tie.

Previous meeting

Sanju Samson's silken unbeaten 102 helped Royals post 198 in Jaipur, but a 110-run opening stand between David Warner and Bairstow put Sunrisers on course for a win they completed with an over to spare.

Likely XIs

Sunrisers Hyderabad: 1 Kane Williamson (capt), 2 David Warner, 3 Manish Pandey, 4 Vijay Shankar, 5 Shakib Al Hasan/Mohammad Nabi, 6 Yusuf Pathan, 7 Wriddhiman Saha (wk)/Sreevats Goswami (wk), 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Khaleel Ahmed, 11 Sandeep Sharma/Siddarth Kaul

Rajasthan Royals: 1 Ajinkya Rahane, 2 Sanju Samson (wk), 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Rahul Tripathi/Liam Livingstone, 5 Ashton Turner/Ish Sodhi, 6 Stuart Binny, 7 Riyan Parag, 8 Shreyas Gopal, 9 Dhawal Kulkarni/Mahipal Lomror , 10 Varun Aaron, 11 Oshane Thomas

Strategy punt

• Sunrisers are likely to have more comfort in batting at Sawai Mansingh Stadium than the home team - their batsmen have scored more non-boundary runs (47.6%) than any other team and will play at the venue that has had nearly just as many (47%) non-boundary runs. Williamson, Manish Pandey and Vijay Shankar should be encouraged to play to their accumulative strengths.

• While Martin Guptill is available to replace Bairstow at the top with Warner, Sunrisers will be well served if they let Williamson return to form in the position where he's had most success for them.

• Royals could be tempted to build their house on legspin: Ish Sodhi and Liam Livingstone will both offer that option, and with Riyan Parag now playing a primarily batting role, Shreyas Gopal might find a buddy at the other end as he could be handed more late-overs duties than before.

Stats that matter

• The last time Royals beat Sunrisers was in 2015. Sunrisers have a 4-0 win record since that game.

• Ajinkya Rahane needs 53 more runs to reach 5,000 in T20s.

• Rashid Khan is two wickets away from 50 wickets for Sunrisers.

• Royals' 74.5% catching efficiency is marginally better than Sunrisers' 73.1%, but their ground fielding has saved a net six runs through this season, as compared to Sunrisers' negative 15.

Thirty-four years ago, the future of the New York Knicks franchise rested inside a square-foot-sized white envelope.

It was early afternoon on May 12, 1985, and Knicks executive Dave DeBusschere sat nervously on the dais on the 18th floor of the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Manhattan, holding his head in his hands ahead of the first-ever NBA draft lottery.

As seven envelopes tumbled inside a spinning plastic globe next to NBA commissioner David Stern, DeBusschere was looking for all the luck he could muster. Hours earlier, DeBusschere had attended mass at a church near his home, admitting that he was "a little selfish" during his prayers. The Hall of Fame forward also brought a horseshoe with him from a successful racehorse.

Knicks fans know what happened next. Stern pulled an enveloped -- creased at the corner, conspiracy theorists note -- that gave the Knicks the No. 1 pick in the draft.

DeBusschere famously pounded his fist when the pick was revealed. Minutes later, DeBusschere showed the world a No. 33 home white Knicks jersey that he'd brought with him. It had Patrick Ewing's name on the back.

"Everyone knows who our No. 1 pick is going to be," DeBusschere said that night.

A few minutes before 8:30 p.m. ET on May 14, 2019, Ewing himself will settle into his seat on the dais in Chicago and hope for that same lottery luck. The Hall of Fame center will represent the Knicks on the first night of, arguably, the most important offseason in franchise history.

Everyone knows who their first pick would be.

If Ewing and the Knicks land it -- New York, Phoenix and Cleveland each have 14 percent odds -- it opens up a world of possibilities. The club can keep the pick and add presumptive No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson to its roster. Or it could use the pick as a package in a trade for a veteran superstar like the New Orleans Pelicans' Anthony Davis.

"If we're ranking teams heading into the offseason, New York probably has the best tools in the toolshed," one Western Conference executive said. "Maybe they get it right this time."

Ewing finished his career as the franchise's leader in points, rebounds, blocks and games played -- putting forth a strong argument for the title of greatest Knick ever. He requested a trade in 2000 because the club declined to extend his contract. The resulting transaction, which sent Ewing to the Seattle SuperSonics in his 16th season, began an inauspicious run for New York. The club has won just one playoff series since.

And it's been a run brimming with drama, lopsided losses and dysfunction. This season, the Knicks have said all of that -- the meddling from owner Jim Dolan, the in-fighting, the public sniping -- is behind them.

"Going into free agency, we've got a lot of things that we can show about how this is going to be a different deal going forward with the Knicks," Knicks coach David Fizdale said this week on ESPN's The Jump. "And I think we're going to end up doing some good things."

If they can do what many around the NBA expect them to -- sign two stars this summer and draft an elite college prospect in late June -- they might be able to back up that rhetoric.

"I can tell you," Dolan said last month on ESPN Radio, "from what we've heard, I think we're gonna have a very successful offseason."

The four-paragraph letter arrived via email in Knicks season-ticket-holders' inboxes in early April. It was a missive from team president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry, discussing the Knicks' 17-65 season and their future. In nearly 300 words of executive speak, one section in particular stood out:

"We have created a tremendous amount of financial flexibility, which has put us in a position to potentially sign up to two max free agents. Most importantly, we will use our cap space diligently and only on players who believe in our plan and are committed to building the New York Knicks into the championship team that you deserve."

Translation: We have the opportunity to make the misery of past seasons a distant memory. So stick with us.

Why would a team that has won just one playoff series in the last 18 years, coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history, feel so good about turning things around? Kevin Durant.

It's easier to find street parking in Manhattan than it is to find an NBA executive, player or coach who doesn't think Durant is going to sign with the Knicks in July.

Some of Durant's former teammates think it's going to happen, per ESPN sources. Several of his current teammates have told friends that they think it's going to happen, sources said. Opposing agents believe it's a fait accompli: "Just a matter of putting pen to paper," is how one agent of another top free agent in the 2019 free agent class put it.

Why would Durant come to the Knicks when he could stay with the Golden State Warriors or sign with other teams with stronger supporting casts, such as the LA Clippers or Brooklyn Nets?

One opposing executive monitoring Durant's situation closely believes that the opportunity to win in New York -- and push the notion that he jumped on the bandwagon to win rings in Oakland from the forefront of fans' consciousness -- is a pull for the two-time Finals MVP.

"Winning there would change the narrative around him," one executive said.

If Durant comes to New York, he's not coming to be part of a rebuild. So it's hard to see him committing to the Big Apple without another star in tow. Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving, who has a close relationship with Durant (remember All-Star Weekend?), is one of the players who could join Durant in the Big Apple. Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker also has fans in the Knicks organization. Multiple executives doing their homework on the free agent class, though, fully expect Durant to sign with the Knicks and Irving to join him.

There's growing evidence to support the theory:

• After telling Celtics fans he plans on returning to Boston earlier this season, Irving acknowledged that the Knicks were on the list of teams that he'd consider as a free agent. He also softened that commitment to the Celtics in early February.

• During the regular season, some close to Durant suggested to people with a rooting interest in the Knicks that they should remain calm amid New York's struggles this season. This was seen by those familiar with the conversations as further proof that Durant intends to sign with the Knicks.

• And then there's the oft-cited factor of Rich Kleiman, Durant's manager, business partner and co-founder of his media company, being a Knicks fan. Kleiman, for what it's worth, attended several Knicks games at Madison Square Garden when the Warriors weren't the visiting team.

If Durant, Irving -- or both -- decide to sign elsewhere, it would leave the Knicks in a tough spot. They could go after Kawhi Leonard -- people close to Leonard saw New York as a possible destination for him prior to his trade to the Toronto Raptors -- but the general feeling around the league is that Leonard is more likely to end up with the Clippers or back in Toronto than a team in New York.

And it would surprise some opposing executives if the Knicks signed a player other than Durant, Irving or Leonard to a long-term contract this summer. Those executives expect the Knicks to use their projected league-high $74 million in cap room in other ways this summer -- acquiring a draft pick in a salary dump, signing players to short-term deals -- if they miss out on those top free agent targets.

From any other rebuilding franchise, that approach would make sense. But how would the long-suffering fan base -- and ownership -- react to a disappointing summer after a 17-win season? Particularly when the Knicks opened up cap space by trading the face of their franchise in Kristaps Porzingis?

The Knicks say they feel no added pressure to land a free agent in the wake of the Porzingis trade. "We're excited that we have some flexibility there. We're excited with what we did get in this trade," Knicks GM Scott Perry said on the night of the Porzingis trade.

"Again, we'll let the summer take care of itself."

If the Knicks land Durant and another max free agent, they will be looking to add other veterans via free agency and trades. Obviously, they will keep a close eye on the Anthony Davis situation. There are potential Knicks-Pelicans deals that work financially.

If the Knicks luck out and land Williamson in the draft, a package centered around him and other first-round picks or young Knicks -- such as Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson or Allonzo Trier -- might be enticing to the Pelicans. Even if the Knicks don't trade their first-round draft pick -- and there is no consensus that the organization would definitely trade its 2019 No. 1 pick in a package for Davis, sources said -- the Knicks would need to find a way to surround any incoming stars with other veterans.

If New York signs two max free agents, that would leave only the $5.5 million room exception and veterans minimum contracts to offer other free agents. So the Knicks would have work to do if they land their dream summer scenario of Durant and Irving.

"They're going to have to convince some veterans to take less money," said one Western Conference exec.

In mid-September, Mills, Perry and Fizdale sat on a Madison Square Garden stage in front of hundreds of fans, delivering a message of hope. Knicks fans have heard that word before, but as Mills noted that night, there was an important distinction between this year and seasons past.

"In our circles that we travel and the people that we talk to," Mills said, "we know that there is a change in how people perceive us.

Mills, Perry and Fizdale repeated that point often in the ensuing months. Fizdale said recently that he had heard praise from people around the league about how hard his team played and how they treated players, traits that haven't been associated with the team in recent seasons.

"Those [perceptions] were the things that were holding the team back more than anything," Fizdale said in an interview with ESPN Radio.

As you'd expect, there is some skepticism around the league about a potential Knicks makeover. "Maybe it's just me, but I'd like to see the results on the court before making any bold statements about perception," one rival executive said.

The doomsday scenario for New York is Brooklyn landing top free agents while the Knicks strike out and sign lesser free agents to big money, as they did with Amar'e Stoudemire in 2010 before missing out on LeBron James. But they insist that won't be the case this summer, that this is the year they're getting it right.

"We put ourselves in position where we've created cap space, which gives us the flexibility to attract free agents or use it to continue the planning that we laid out before [to build with young players]," Mills said in an ESPN Radio interview.

"It put us in a position where we're really excited about the future of the team."

Will all the excitement and optimism lead to a successful offseason? It all starts with Ewing on the dais in a few weeks. Fizdale, for one, is optimistic that the franchise's fortunes are about to turn.

"We're doing things the right way," Fizdale told ESPN Radio. "We have a great set up to do something that's long-standing."

WILMETTE, Ill. — We know how hard motorsports professionals work at the track, but this month we will examine the off-track business activities of industry professionals.

Life as a driver, crew chief and team owner can be a lucrative endeavor. However, similar to time between races, substantial time is spent working away from the track.

The length of a career can also vary widely. Many will stay in the sport for years, but factors such as funding, sponsorship, performance, management and manufacturer support will play a big role. The development and importance of safety has also contributed to the longevity of a driver’s time behind the wheel.

Many are taking a proactive approach to the next stage of their careers. Traditional paths lead to broadcast booths, studio shows, team ownership or driving coach. The racing family receives the familiar face and voice warmly.

Motorsports requires being resourceful. Define the problem and develop a solution. To be competitive, stay motivated and take calculated risks, and most importantly be passionate.

With three rounds of matches to go in the Premier League season, the race to qualify for the Champions League has become a battle between four clubs seemingly unable to grasp the opportunity.

Third-placed Tottenham, sitting on 70 points, took a huge leap towards confirming a top-four spot with a late home win against Brighton on Tuesday, but Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, separated by just three points from fourth to sixth, continue to drop points.

United host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday in a game that is now crucial for both clubs' aspirations, but with time running out to make the top four, who needs the Champions League most, which clubs are best-equipped to cope with a year in the Europa League and who is facing a nightmare scenario by failing to qualify?

3rd place: Tottenham, 70 points

Remaining Fixtures: West Ham (H), Bournemouth (A), Everton (H)

Why they need a top-four finish

Tottenham have finally moved into their spectacular new stadium, but they now have to pay for it and the money that comes from being in the Champions League is crucial in ensuring that the finances remain healthy enough for the club to avoid having to sell their best players.

As this season's run to the semifinals, and potentially beyond, has shown, Spurs are an emerging force under coach Mauricio Pochettino and are a team capable of winning the Champions League.

But missing out on qualification and ending up in the Europa League would leave Spurs vulnerable to losing their top stars, and Pochettino, to clubs who can offer Champions League football.

If Spurs finish in the top four, their business model and football development will only become stronger.

What happens if they miss out?

Christian Eriksen is stalling on a new contract, while Toby Alderweireld can leave for £25 million this summer, so Spurs would find it difficult to keep those two key players if they can only offer Europa League football.

And for a club that has not added to their squad since January 2018, recruitment plans would be hit badly if Champions League football is not booked.

Of all the clubs chasing a top-four finish, Spurs are arguably most at risk of the ramifications of missing out because of the delicate balancing act of keeping the team together and paying for the stadium, so Champions League qualification is absolutely vital.

Prediction: The win against Brighton has put Spurs in pole position and, with two home games to come, they will secure qualification by finishing third.

4th Place: Chelsea, 67 points

Remaining Fixtures: Man Utd (A), Watford (H), Leicester (A)

Why they need a top-four finish

With Eden Hazard increasingly likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, Chelsea need to be able to offer Champions League football in order to attract a top quality replacement.

There is also the question mark over the future of coach Maurizio Sarri, who might just cling onto his job if he can guide the club back into the Champions League.

Chelsea are in the midst of a transitional period and their rebuilding plans would be accelerated by a return to the tournament, both in terms of finance and the ability to attract better players.

But, of course, they still have the problem of a two-window transfer ban imposed by FIFA. They do still hope to get the ban paused, or overturned, to be able to deal this summer.

The funding of owner Roman Abramovich will always insulate Chelsea from the financial hit of not being in the Champions League, but as the only London club ever to win the competition, there is a determination at Stamford Bridge to regain the prestige of being back among the elite.

What happens if they miss out?

Any slim prospect of keeping Hazard would evaporate if Chelsea face another year in the Europa League and Sarri might follow the Belgian out of the door.

But there could be a positive element of missing out on the Champions League for Chelsea in the shape of their emerging youngsters.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi have been given first-team chances this season and, if Chelsea are unable to offer Champions League football to prospective signings, the club's hugely successful youth policy could finally bear fruit with more senior graduates.

Financially, Chelsea are in a stronger position than Spurs to ride out another year in the Europa League, but if a new coach comes in and turns to the youngsters, the transition may take even longer.

Prediction: Everything hinges on Sunday's trip to Old Trafford, and Arsenal can take advantage and leave Chelsea finishing in fifth.

5th Place: Arsenal, 66 points

Remaining Fixtures: Leicester (A), Brighton (H), Burnley (A)

Why they need a top-four finish

Arsenal's business model has always been heavily reliant on the money earned from playing in the Champions League and two seasons in the Europa League has hit them hard.

Coach Unai Emery has been restricted in the transfer market and Arsenal simply cannot compete financially with their top-six rivals as long as they sit outside the Champions League.

Traditionally London's biggest club, Arsenal as a Champions League team are an attractive proposition to potential signings, but they are forced to shop in the second tier as a Europa League outfit.

So Arsenal need to be back among the big boys for reasons of finance and prestige. Another year out will see them drop even further behind.

What happens if they miss out?

Emery's transfer budget is already restricted and he will be forced to find a replacement for Aaron Ramsey, leaving on a free transfer to Juventus, as well as bolstering every other department of his squad this summer, namely the defence.

The former Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain coach has worked wonders simply to make Arsenal competitive for the top four this season, but his task will only become harder if they miss out on the Champions League for 2019-20.

Petr Cech has announced his retirement, so a back-up keeper will be needed, and Danny Welbeck is out of contract, so perhaps more than any club, Arsenal need the Champions League riches to keep the wheels turning.

Prediction: If Arsenal can win one of their two remaining away games, they should end the season in fourth position.

6th Place: Manchester United, 64 points

Remaining Fixtures: Chelsea (H), Huddersfield (A), Cardiff (H)

Why they need a top-four finish?

Financially, United can withstand missing out on the Champions League for one, maybe even two seasons, and there is even a school of thought that such a failure would actually trigger the reality check required to make the club focus properly on the challenge of returning to the top of the game.

But even United feel the pain of not playing in the Champions League, especially when their biggest rivals -- Liverpool and Manchester City -- are becoming potential European champions.

Champions League football would enable Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to rip up his squad and attract top quality players to Old Trafford. A year in the Europa League would force United to pay bigger fees and higher wages to get their main targets and, after upsetting the pay structure to sign £400,000-a-week Alexis Sanchez last season, that is the last thing the club wants to expose itself to.

What happens if they miss out?

The biggest pain felt by United would be to their pride, as the self-styled "biggest club in the world" missing out on the Champions League for the third time in six seasons would be a real humbling proposition.

Solskjaer would be under no financial pressure to sell any of his players and United would continue to generate millions off the pitch, but they would be a less attractive proposition on it to stars whose sole focus is playing in the Champions League.

No team has won the Premier League after starting the season in the Europa League, so United would already be on the back foot domestically and, with Solskjaer under pressure to oversee a "cultural reset" at Old Trafford, being out of the Champions League would only make life more difficult.

Prediction: United need to win all three remaining games to have any hope, but their recent form suggests they will fall short and finish sixth.