How many points Man United need to secure Champions League football after huge boost

Manchester United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season got a huge boost after Arsenal beat Sporting on Tuesday night

Manchester United's chances of completing their only remaining goal for this season were given a boost on Tuesday night thanks to Premier League rivals Arsenal. Kai Havertz's late winner against Sporting in their Champions League quarter-final first leg ensured the English top flight will once again have five teams qualifying automatically for the competition.

England now have an unassailable advantage in UEFA's co-efficient rankings. This automatically guarantees them an extra qualifying spot for the Champions League. Italy and Spain are currently vying for the other extra spot. For United, this means Michael Carrick's task has become easier.

The former midfielder was appointed to lead United into the Champions League and the Reds are on the verge of doing just that. While United will still be wanting to finish as high as possible and third should be a realistic target, they will end the campaign in the top five should they reach 70 points.

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That is because Chelsea, who currently sit sixth, can only reach a maximum of 69 if they win all their remaining matches this season. Realistically, considering the form of Liam Rosenior's side, the Reds can afford to finish with fewer points but to be mathematically certain, 70 is United's target.

Currently, United have 55 points with seven matches remaining. This means five wins will secure a return to the Champions League. Crucially for the Reds, they can afford to lose their two toughest matches on paper and still make the Champions League.

United travel to Chelsea on Saturday, April 18 before hosting fellow Champions League hopeful Liverpool on Sunday, May 3. Below is how the Reds' Premier League run-in compares to Chelsea.

United's final Premier League fixtures

Leeds (H) - April 13

Chelsea (A) - April 18

Brentford (H) - April 27

Liverpool (H) - May 3

Sunderland (A) - May 9

Nottingham Forest (H) - May 17

Brighton and Hove Albion (A) - May 24

Chelsea's final Premier League fixtures

Manchester City (H) - April 12

Manchester United (H) - April 18

Brighton and Hove Albion (A) - April 21

Nottingham Forest (H) - May 4

Liverpool (A) - May 9

Tottenham Hotspur (H) - May 17

Sunderland (A) - May 24

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