Surprising number of wins Man Utd need to secure Champions League qualification

Surprising number of wins Man Utd need to secure Champions League qualificationManchester United are back in action against Leeds United on Monday evening, as Michael Carrick looks to guide the club to Champions League football for 2026/27CommentsSportAlex James and Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter09:19, 13 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesMichael Carrick hopes to guide Manchester United back to the big league come May(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA, Getty Images)Manchester United are now just three wins away from a return to the Champions League after Chelsea were defeated by Manchester City on Sunday. Michael Carrick's men haven't featured in over three weeks due to the international break and their early FA Cup elimination, but they return to action on Monday night with a home fixture against Leeds United.‌The Red Devils, who have suffered just one defeat under Carrick, remain third in the table after Aston Villa squandered the opportunity to leapfrog them by drawing at Nottingham Forest. Perhaps more significantly, Chelsea were beaten by City at Stamford Bridge, leaving Liam Rosenior's side seven points adrift of United.‌Chelsea sit sixth in the table, and it was confirmed this week that a top-five finish will guarantee Champions League football as a result of England's impressive performances in European competition this season.‌READ MORE: Marcus Rashford transfer twist as Liverpool set to be beaten to summer dealREAD MORE: Man Utd news: Bruno Fernandes wants promise from club as star's transfer gets seal of approvalThis leaves United well placed to secure their return to the tournament, and they could wrap up qualification this month. Three wins from their next three matches will guarantee a top-five finish.That's because United travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and should they overcome Chelsea, the Blues can reach a maximum of just 63 points. Should United overcome Leeds on Monday, triumph at Chelsea and then defeat Brentford at Old Tr...