Man Utd points total needed for Champions League qualification | Football | Sport

Manchester United need just one point to guarantee Champions League football next season, provided it arrives against Brighton. Michael Carrick’s side established an 11-point advantage over the Seagulls following victory against Brentford on Monday evening.

United sit in third place in the Premier League after a 2-1 triumph over the Bees at Old Trafford. It leaves the club virtually assured of qualification for Europe’s elite competition.

With five teams securing Champions League places this term, United can only be overtaken by Brighton or Bournemouth, who occupy sixth and seventh respectively. Carrick’s men would have to lose all of their remaining fixtures for the Cherries to have any hope and Andoni Iraola’s side would still need four victories in their own matches.

One further victory will ensure that United no longer need to concern themselves with Brighton, with the south coast outfit only capable of reaching 62 points. Similarly, two draws will suffice to place United beyond the reach of their Premier League opponents on 64 points.

Carrick’s side will be permitted to lose all of their matches provided they can secure a point against the Seagulls on the final day of the campaign. A draw in that encounter will mean that Brighton can only attain 60 points, with United already on 61.

Should United draw one of their remaining fixtures and lose the other three, it would hand Brighton the chance to leapfrog United on goal difference, provided they win all of their games. United currently boast a five-goal advantage, but that would be wiped out if Brighton secured four victories and United suffered three defeats, seeing a minimum seven-goal swing.

United still face Liverpool, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton. Brighton must be flawless in their trips to Newcastle, a home clash against Wolves, an away fixture at Leeds’ Elland Road and then the showdown against United.

“It was a casual chat, to be honest – quite informal. But it was nice to see him.”

Carrick has been keen to forge connections throughout the club and believes ownership should be closely tied to those working at United.

“I’m really conscious that’s how it should be,” he said. “I am trying to do my part with that, as well as is everybody else. I’ve felt that since I’ve been here since for sure.”