9 games would be enough for United to go up, doesn't mean that they will, it just means that the possibility is still there. Of course the more Villa and Spurs wins, the less chance United would have, plus on top of those two losing points, we should have United not losing a single point as well. It's still possible, but I think sixth would be what they should be aiming at. That would be quite good deal and I think they should be happy with what they have, do not see any reason why they should change it.
I believe that we are going to see United do better next season, so many great young kids, and they are finally putting together a decent eleven, they had many tries but finally figured it out, a few more transfers to defense and one winger, and they should be top four easily.
Honestly if someone had told me that Man UTD will make the top 4 in any way they can with only 9 games before the end of this very campaign I'd laugh and if its a dream I'll wake up with a smile. Like you said they have the chance of making it to 4th position and to me the possibility of finishing among the top 4 is 2%, there's no way Man UTD can go without losing or playing draw in the next 3games, their form would speak for them.
As it is they're only rebuilding the team and no one should have that confidence that these young ones can make a difference with just 9 games to go.
I feel that this last minute project won't work out for Man UTD, they should just struggle and finish wherever they feel like because I don't think they can withstand the pressure that's coming at them in the remaining games at hand, believe me every team wants to have a little piece of Manchester United. Mark my words, Man UTD can't go unbeaten in the next 4 games starting with Brentford.