Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has claimed that Manchester United could "cement a top-four finish" if they beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night.

United are currently second in the Premier League table - six points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea, who will face runaway league leaders Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

Merson has said that a victory for United against Palace would all but secure their position in the top four.

"If the game goes as I expect at the Eithad Stadium then Manchester United won't really be under too much pressure. However, if they can win at Selhurst Park and Chelsea lose then I think they can pretty much guarantee a top four finish," Merson told Sky Sports News.

"They'll be nine points clear of Chelsea and for me, that's that with nine games to play. I expect United to be extremely efficient and can see them edging a tight game to cement a top-four finish."

United recorded a 2-1 win over Chelsea when the two teams met at Old Trafford last weekend.