Manchester United, under the leadership of Michael Carrick, has been making waves in the Premier League. Following their recent 1-0 victory against Everton, Jamie Carragher confidently predicts that the club is "guaranteed" a spot in next season's Champions League.
The team remains unbeaten under interim manager Michael Carrick after securing a 1-0 win at Everton. This victory was sealed by Benjamin Sesko's third goal off the bench in four games. The successful streak has seen Manchester United rise back up to fourth place in the Premier League table.
This time around, they have managed to secure a three-point lead over fifth-placed Chelsea who dropped points at home to Burnley on Saturday.
Predictions for third place finish
Gary Neville believes that Manchester United could finish third this season, above Aston Villa. With only three points separating them from third-placed Aston Villa and with other teams like Unai Emery's side, Chelsea and Liverpool all facing European knockout football in March - there are high hopes for Manchester United.
Gary Neville, Manchester United legend, said:
"There was a period for about five or six weeks where they played games where you kept thinking they could go into the top four and they didn't. And now they are, they've got an incredible opportunity to finish in the top four.
"I think they will. The other teams start playing in Europe, they've got distractions. United haven't got any distractions. That doesn't mean anything; they've had no game for two weeks and haven't played particularly well here [at Everton] but I just think they're now starting to get over the line in games where they wouldn't have done before. I think they could finish third, I really do think they could finish third. I said a couple of weeks ago I thought Villa might just get pulled back a little bit."
Jamie Carragher backs this prediction by stating that their lesser schedule makes them strong contenders to return to Europe's elite competition - The Champions League.
Guaranteed spot in Champions League?
Carragher further emphasizes his belief about Manchester United’s qualification for next term’s Champions league being “guaranteed”. This bold statement comes as a result of their recent performance and potential upward trajectory within the Premier league standings.
Jamie Carragher, Liverpool legend, said:
"Manchester United are virtually a guarantee,"
"Aston Villa look like they're dropping points at the moment. They've got the European football on a Thursday night. Liverpool and Chelsea are both still in the Champions League and the FA Cup, and will want to do well in at least one of those competitions - a semi-final or a final. I can't see Manchester United not making it."
If these predictions hold true and if Manchester United continues its current form under Michael Carrick’s leadership – fans can expect an exciting end to this season with potential participation in Europe’s most prestigious football competition – The UEFA Champions league.
