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Manchester United host fierce rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in a massive showdown, where a positive result could seal the Red Devils' spot in next season's UEFA Champions League.
Nine victories from 13 Premier League matches since interim boss Michael Carrick took charge following Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January have dramatically transformed the club's fortunes.
Manchester United were sitting sixth, just three points above the relegation zone, when Amorim was let go. Now, Carrick's side occupy third place, three points ahead of Sunday's opponents Liverpool.
Crucially for United, finishing no lower than fifth guarantees a Champions League return after a two-year absence. Aston Villa are level on points with Liverpool in fifth, but Carrick's squad have carved out an 11-point cushion over sixth-placed Brighton.
With just four fixtures left in the campaign, the Red Devils have the perfect opportunity to lock up their return to Europe's elite competition at home against their bitter north west rivals this Sunday.
What Man Utd Need vs. Liverpool to Secure Champions League Return
The situation is fairly straightforward for Manchester United heading into the weekend: beat Liverpool, and the Champions League will be back at Old Trafford in 2026–27.
A win would guarantee the Red Devils cannot drop below fifth in the remaining fixtures, while also opening up a six-point advantage over Arne Slot's defending English champions.
With only 12 points still available, United's magic number stands at two. Just two more points from their final four games and Champions League qualification will be confirmed.
Defeating Liverpool is the primary objective on Sunday, but even if Carrick's side stumble and settle for a draw or suffer a defeat, they could still end the weekend with Champions League qualification wrapped up.
Man United With One Eye on Brighton, Bournemouth Results
Bournemouth and Brighton are the only two sides capable of derailing Manchester United's Champions League ambitions—though the chances remain extremely slim.
In the worst-case scenario where United drop all four remaining games, Brighton could finish a point above them and Bournemouth could end level on points but overtake United on goal difference. However, this can only occur if both clubs win every one of their remaining matches.
Brighton travel to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon, and if the Seagulls fail to claim victory at a hostile St James' Park, Manchester United will effectively step out against Liverpool on Sunday with Champions League qualification already in the bag.
It would take a near-miraculous turn of events for Bournemouth to leapfrog United in the standings. Andoni Iraola's side entertain Crystal Palace on Sunday, 90 minutes before kick-off at Old Trafford. Should Bournemouth, like Brighton the day before, also fail to win, Manchester United will qualify for the Champions League regardless of their outcome against Liverpool.
It's only a question of when, not if, United's Champions League comeback becomes official. While anything short of a home victory against Liverpool would still leave the Old Trafford faithful frustrated, there's every chance the resurgent Red Devils will be celebrating their return to the world's premier club competition before the weekend is out.