'United targeting sprint finish in race for Europe'
People say the football season is a marathon and not a sprint, and they'd be correct. But I've watched a few marathons in my time, and let me tell you, they often end with a sprint so chaotic it makes you wonder if someone shouted "free pies at the finish line". And that's exactly where we are now that the league has split. The business end, the final push, the part where it's all bared teeth and flailing limbs to the line.Forget about the top two for now, they're not important here. St Mirren also, likely, have too much to do to catch up. They've done incredibly well but they'd need a minor miracle, a sat-nav and possibly a rocket to catch up.So that leaves a straight fight for the European places between Hibs, Aberdeen and United. Of course, Hibs are on an incredible run at present and are certainly the favourites to finish third and guarantee themselves European football until winter time. Favourites don't always win however and United will be quietly fancying their chances in these last five games.Now, in one glorious scenario, if the Scottish Cup shakes out the right way we could see all three of Hibs, Aberdeen and United in Europe. A lovely, diplomatic outcome that would make everyone (except St Mirren) happy. But don't be fooled, third place is the glittering prize, the golden ticket, the full-fat Euro adventure that comes with winter fixtures, longer Thursdays, and an incredibly busy groundsman.From United's perspective, this has been a successful season. Targets, certainly league targets, have been achieved. But no one at Tannadice is resting on their laurels and the prospect of millions of pounds in extra income will certainly be making the chairman perk up.But the real credit goes to the players and coaching staff. They've grafted all year and done both themselves and the club proud.The players have given everything on the park all season. I fully expect them to keep that intensity for the final stretch, even if their legs are screaming and their GPS trackers are overworked.And if Europe is the destination, then it will be earned, not handed out. But hey, five games to go, there's plenty of time for drama, dodgy decisions, late winners and possibly some over-enthusiastic celebrations.As for the sprint finish, here's hoping United can finish the season at a pace that would astonish even Usain Bolt.Marks, set... GO!Paul McNicoll can be found on the Dode Fox Podcast., external
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