Manchester United now look to be a shoo-in for next season’s Champions League campaign following confirmation that the Premier League will get five qualification places.
Indeed, this term’s top five clubs will all secure their spots in Europe’s elite competition thanks to Arsenal’s 1-0 first-leg victory over Sporting CP in the quarter-finals.
In the meantime, there are eight fixtures remaining for the Reds to strengthen their grip, with the side sitting third-placed ahead of their return to action on Monday against Leeds United.
When simulating how the table could look upon the culmination of 2025/2026, Opta’s supercomputer predicted that United would finish in the top four in 55.5% of their 10,000 simulations, and in the top five in 76.2%.
They are also well amongst the bookies’ favourites to do so, with some outlets pricing United at 1/7 to finish behind Arsenal and Manchester City. Find out more yourself at GamingToday.com.
In regard to the fixtures in their path until everything is set in stone, Michael Carrick will be hoping to continue his scintillating run with a comfortable win over Leeds next time out.
Then, however, it’s a clash away to Chelsea on Saturday, April 18, with the Blues vying to find form and get back in the UCL race after falling to sixth place.
Chelsea have won only once in their last five league outings, but did book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals, where they will face Leeds, via a 7-0 thrashing of Port Vale last weekend.
A monumental match on the horizon for United is their home encounter against Liverpool on May 3.
It comes in the very dying embers of the season, and could see United complete a league double over their arch-rivals for the first time in 10 years, having claimed a shock 2-1 triumph at Anfield back in October.
Liverpool’s title defence this term has been disastrous, with Arne Slot’s men on the receiving end of 10 defeats already. However, there is still plenty to play for, as they are fifth-placed ahead of hosting Fulham on Saturday.
It remains to be seen if United’s return to the UCL would result in Carrick being appointed as the permanent manager in M16.
Fans are keen for him to stay put, while Amad Diallo also voiced his backing for the former midfielder at a press conference in Dublin this week.
He told reporters: “From a personal view he’s the right man. He has a lot of experience; he knows the club and has the DNA.
“His relationship with every player is very good. Sometimes this kind of manager can bring the club where they belong.”
