Manchester United close to Champions League spot, Liverpool clash could be decisive.

Manchester United are almost certain to return to the European elite stage next season. Michael Carrick's squad only needs two more points to secure a ticket to the UEFA Champions League.

The ticket to Europe's top-tier competition is getting closer within reach as MU maintains its consistent performance in the English Premier League.

The 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford on Tuesday, April 28th, laid a crucial foundation. Two goals contributed by Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko in the first half were enough to secure the three points, as the visitors could only reply with a goal from Mathias Jensen late in the match.

With the additional 3 points, MU has accumulated 61 points from 34 matches. They sit firmly in third place in the current Standings, 3 points ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa, and hold an 11-point lead over sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, the last team still in contention to break into the Champions League zone.

With five Champions League tickets allocated for next season, MU's current position is more comfortable. MU only needs to add two more points from their remaining four matches to ensure Brighton's maximum possible points cannot catch the Red Devils.

Manchester United's performance has steadily improved since the 1-2 loss to Leeds United, securing two consecutive wins. Before the 2-1 victory over Brentford, MU collected 3 points after defeating Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. 

The moment to secure the Champions League ticket could arrive sooner than expected. If Brighton fails to defeat Newcastle United on Saturday, May 2nd, MU could even secure their spot without having to play a match. 

However, the main spotlight remains firmly on the big clash against Liverpool on Sunday, May 3rd, a match that could potentially be the stage for their Champions League comeback after a two-season absence.

With momentum sustained, squad depth, and consistent results in recent weeks, the signs of Manchester United's resurgence are becoming increasingly evident. 

Now, it's only a matter of time before the "Red Devils" officially return to the Champions League, a competition that has long been their natural habitat.