Manchester United moved closer to Champions League qualification after beating Brentford 2-1 on Monday night. Mathematically, the Red Devils need two more points to secure qualification to Europe’s top competition for the first time in three years.
Interim head coach Michael Carrick has completely transformed United since taking over from Ruben Amorim in January. The former midfielder has overseen just two defeats and is building a convincing case to be handed the role permanently.
If United qualify for the Champions League against Liverpool this weekend, calls for Carrick to be appointed full-time manager at Old Trafford will become even louder. A victory in Sunday’s M16 encounter would also end the hopes of their rivals to secure a spot in the same competition.
Alun Slott’s side sit just below United in the Premier League table and were defeated in a come-from-behind defeat at Anfield in October when Harry Maguire scored the winning goal late on. Below is a summary of United’s remaining fixtures and those of their closest rivals in the race for Champions League football.
Manchester United (3rd place) – 61 points
Liverpool (H) – Sunday 3 May
Sunderland (A) – Saturday 9th May
Nottingham Forest (H) – TBC
Brighton (A) – Sunday 24th May
Liverpool (4th) – 58 points
Man United (A) – Sunday 3rd May
Brentford (H) – Sunday 24th May
Aston Villa (5th) – 58 points
Tottenham (H) – Saturday, May 2nd
Burnley (A) – Saturday 9th May
Brighton (6th place) – 50 points
Newcastle (A) – Saturday 2nd May
Wolves (H) – Saturday, May 9th
Man United (H) – Sunday 24th May
