Under the guidance of interim head coach Michael Carrick, the Red Devils have surged to third in the Premier League, sitting on 58 points with five matches still to play.
Manchester United are on the verge of securing Champions League football for next season, needing just five more points from their remaining fixtures to mathematically guarantee a top-five finish.
A total of 63 points would be sufficient to secure their spot, as sixth-placed Brighton can only reach a maximum of 62 points even if they win all their remaining games.
This “security blanket” means United can effectively afford to lose twice and still return to Europe’s elite competition, provided they find one win and two draws elsewhere.
The scenario for immediate qualification could even arrive before their high-profile clash with Liverpool, starting with Monday night’s crucial home match against Brentford at Old Trafford.
Should United defeat the Bees while rivals Brighton and Bournemouth drop points in their respective fixtures, Carrick could toast to qualification with games to spare.
Manchester United’s remaining fixtures
Brentford (H), April 27
Liverpool (H), May 3
Sunderland (A), May 9
Nottingham Forest (H), May 17
Brighton (A), May 24