Manchester United need one point to guarantee football in next season’s Champions League as long as they play Brighton. Michael Carrick’s side have established an 11-point advantage over the Seagulls following Monday night’s win over Brentford.
United sit third in the Premier League after beating the Bees 2-1 at Old Trafford. This effectively guaranteed the club qualification to Europe’s elite competition.
With five teams qualifying for the Champions League this term, only Brighton or Bournemouth can overtake United in sixth and seventh place respectively. For the Cherries to have any hope, Carrick’s side need to lose all of their remaining games, while Andoni Iraola’s side still need to win four home games.
United won’t have to worry about Brighton anymore, as one more win would take the south coast side to just 62 points. Similarly, two draws would be enough for United to put them out of reach of their Premier League opponents on 64 points.
Carrick’s side will be allowed to lose all their games if they secure a point against the Seagulls on the final day of the season. A draw in this fixture would only give Brighton 60 points, with United already on 61 points.
If United draw one of their remaining games and lose the other three, Brighton will have the chance to jump ahead of United on goal difference if they win all of their games. United currently enjoy a five-goal advantage, but that advantage could be wiped out if Brighton win four and United lose three, with at least a seven-goal swing.
United continue to face Liverpool, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton. Brighton will need to complete a trip to Newcastle, a home game against Wolves, a game away at Leeds at Elland Road and a showdown with United.
“To be honest, it was just a casual chat. It was pretty casual. But it was nice to meet him.”
Carrick is keen to build connections across the club and believes ownership should be closely linked to those who work at United.
“I feel very strongly that this is the way it should be,” he said. “Like everyone else, I’m trying to do my part in that. That’s how I’ve felt since I’ve been here.”
