United rediscovered their form – but can they maintain it? (Picture: Getty)
Wes Brown has mapped out Manchester United’s route back to the Champions League, predicting their results for the rest of the season he hopes will secure a top five finish.
After a dream start to life under Michael Carrick where they took 19 points from a possible 21, United suffered their first defeat in 12 games away to Newcastle United last time out.
That wonderful run that included wins over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, Tottenham, Everton and Crystal Palace saw them claw their way back into the race for Champions League qualification.
Even with defeat on Tyneside, United remain in control of their own fate with nine games of the season remaining, sat in third place.
Plenty more twists and turns are expected, however. Just three points separate United, Aston Villa Chelsea and Liverpool with the Reds currently occupying sixth spot.
Top five is almost certain to be enough to secure Champions League football next season, meaning one of those four sides is destined to miss out.
United have some tough games to come, facing each of those three rivals in the coming weeks. But Brown believes his old side will have enough to get over the line – backing them to go undefeated from now until the end of May.
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Wes Brown predicts Man Utd’s final games of the season
Manchester United have no other commitments other than their final nine games of the Premier League season.
Michael Carrick has guided them back into contention for Champions League qualification but the job is far from done.
Wes Brown knows better than most the demands placed upon a team at this stage of the season. The former United star gazes into his crystal ball to map out how the rest of the campaign unfolds.
Aston Villa (H)
This is the big game. Villa have been really struggling and they can’t put opportunities away with their forwards out of form. I think United get the job done.
Verdict? Man Utd 1-0 Aston Villa
Sesko’s goals could be vital (Picture: Getty)
Bournemouth (A)
A tricky one but I think we get the win down there.
Verdict? Bournemouth 0-2 Man Utd
Leeds (H)
I will go for a draw here. There is a long break between the two fixtures, both teams will be fresh but I just have a feeling about this one.
Verdict? Man Utd 1-1 Leeds
Chelsea (A)
This is the one. On their day, Chelsea play well and can beat you, even with 10 men. But if we have momentum going into that, the pressure is all on Chelsea at home. They are getting results but the crowd there aren’t too happy, are they. They are not consistent.
Verdict? Chelsea 2-3 Man Utd
Carrick has United back in the European race (Picture: Getty)
Brentford (H)
Another tricky game but but United will win here.
Verdict? Man Utd 1-0 Brentford
Liverpool (H)
Tricky, of course. Both will be scrapping for that top five and I think it will be a very tough game. Liverpool might still be fighting in the FA Cup and Champions League. But it will be tough.
Verdict? Man Utd 2-2 Liverpool
Sunderland (A)
United have a good record at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have shown how hard they can make it so it will be hard but I fancy United to nick it.
Verdict? Sunderland 0-1 Man Utd
Can Carrick get the job done? (Picture: Getty)
Nottingham Forest (H)
If Forest need something, it will be tough. But a defeat could send them down. I predicted them to go down at the beginning of the season so this should be all three points in the last home game of the season.
Verdict? Man Utd.2-0 Nottingham Forest
Brighton (A)
Could things be wrapped up by then? I’m not sure. Brighton away is always difficult so I think it’s a draw to see out the season.
Verdict? Brighton 1-1 Man Utd
He told Metro via BetMGM: ‘Villa, United, Chelsea and Liverpool are digging it out for three spots. That’s what it comes down to. If they don’t get it, it is big money missed.
‘These are teams you would expect to be playing in the Champions League. It’s very close to call at the moment.
‘It is down to whoever handles the pressure. No one has been consistently exceptional this season.
@metrosportuk Manchester United have suprised everyone 😱 Under Michael Carrick, Manchester United remain unbeaten and have climbed to third in the Premier League. This is the kind of form fans have been craving for years so now the real question is: is it a bigger risk NOT to give Carrick the permanent job? #carrick #PremierLeague #manchesterunited #footballnews #manunited ♬ original sound – Metro Sport – Metro Sport
‘United have got right back into it. Those teams have all been on the same level and it now comes down to who can take advantage and who can handle the pressure.’
United host Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday where they could push Unai Emery’s side down to sixth by the end of the weekend.
Chelsea host Newcastle United on Saturday evening while Liverpool welcome relegation-threatened Tottenham to Anfield.
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