Manchester United are just three wins away from securing a return to the Champions League after Chelsea lost to Manchester City on Sunday. Michael Carrick's side remain third in the Premier League, seven points clear of Chelsea in sixth, and a top-five finish will guarantee Champions League football due to England's strong European performance this season.
United could wrap up qualification by the end of April with victories in their next three matches: against Leeds United at home on Monday, at Chelsea on Saturday, and at home to Brentford on 27 April. Three wins would take them to 64 points, beyond the maximum 63 Chelsea can achieve if United beat them.
Even if Chelsea win all their remaining games including against United, Carrick's side need four wins from their final seven fixtures to secure a top-five finish. Their last four matches are against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at home, and away to Sunderland and Brighton.
Carrick, who has lost only one of his ten games in charge since replacing Ruben Amorim in January, has impressed with victories over Manchester City and Arsenal. However, his contract expires at the end of the season, and he faces competition from Gareth Southgate, Oliver Glasner and Luis Enrique for the permanent role.
The club also exited both domestic cups early this season, losing to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup on penalties and to Brighton in the FA Cup third round.
