Manuel Pellegrini: Top-four finish out of Manchester City's hands

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has suggested that his side's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League rest on Tuesday's match between West Ham and Manchester United.

City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal leaves them two points ahead of United, who have the game at Upton Park in hand.

"It is out of our hands," Pellegrini told BBC Sport.

"On Tuesday we will see what happens but we must keep our heads up to win our last game against Swansea."

City's final fixture of the season is in Wales on Sunday, while United host Bournemouth.

Arsenal, who are in third place, three points ahead of City, are at home to bottom club Aston Villa.

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City reached the Champions League semi-final for the first time this season but lost 1-0 over two legs against Real Madrid.

And 62-year-old Chilean Pellegrini feels it is vital they qualify again for Europe's premier club tournament.

"Qualifying for the next Champions League will be better of course. Every year, big teams must be in the competition."

Pellegrini says goodbye

Manuel Pellegrini has failed to beat any of the current Premier League top five this season

Sunday's game was Pellegrini's last as City boss at Etihad Stadium before he is replaced by Pep Guardiola in the summer.

Over his three years with the club he has won the Premier League title - in his first campaign - and the League Cup twice.

"There are a lot of positive things," added Pellegrini. "We won three titles in three years and improved a lot in the Champions League. We reached the round of 16 twice and then the semi-final.

"I am also proud of the style of play. In my three seasons we were the top-scoring team in the Premier League.

"I wanted a good goodbye from this stadium, winning a game by playing the attractive football we have played in my three years here.

"For me the three years here have been wonderful, unforgettable, and I hope this team will continue to improve in the future."