Manchester United return to action in the Premier League when Leeds visit Old Trafford on Monday night, and Chelsea's defeat to Man City means Michael Carrick's side are closing in on a return to the Champions League
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick celebrates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa
Manchester United are closing in on a return to Champions League football
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Manchester United are now three wins away from securing a return to the Champions League after Chelsea were beaten by Manchester City on Sunday.
Michael Carrick’s side haven't kicked a ball in more than three weeks owing to an international break and their early FA Cup exit, but return to action on Monday night with a home game against Leeds United.
The Reds, who have lost just once under Carrick, remain third in the table after Aston Villa missed the chance to move above them by drawing at Nottingham Forest.
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But perhaps more pertinently, Chelsea were beaten by City at Stamford Bridge, meaning Liam Rosenoir’s side remain seven points behind United.
Chelsea are sixth in the table, and it was confirmed this week that a place in the top five will guarantee Champions League football as a result of England’s strong showing in European football this term.
That means United are in a strong position to secure a return to the competition, and they could sew up qualification this month. Wins in the next three games will guarantee a top-five finish.
That's because United travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and if they beat Chelsea, the Blues will only be able to reach a maximum of 63 points.
Should United see off Leeds on Monday, win at Chelsea and then beat Brentford at Old Trafford on April 27, they will be on 64 points and will be assured of a top-five finish.
Even if Chelsea win all six of their remaining games, including against United, Carrick and Co will be certain of Champions League football with four wins from their last seven games.
United’s final four matches see them host Liverpool and Nottingham Forest and travel to Sunderland and Brighton.