Carrick explains United's motivation

The Reds need only two more points to make mathematically certain of a top-five spot, with the extra place allocated due to the English clubs' overall performance in Europe this term.

Monday's 2-1 victory over Brentford has moved Michael Carrick's side to the brink of a tremendous achievement but he is stressing that it will not be a case of job done, even if that goal is realised, with more games to come before the season is out.

"I mean it's one part of it," Carrick told MUTV about a top-five spot. "But it's not everything. 

"Qualifying for the Champions League is important, of course it is. At one stage, it looked in the distance, if I'm honest, but now it looks like we're in a really good position.

"Credit to the boys for that but it's certainly not what we're settling for.

"We want bigger than that, more than that.

"We want to finish as high up the league as we possibly can."

Only Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth can catch the Reds and knock us out of top five in the standings, although they will both need perfect records in their remaining four fixtures.

Brighton's next match is on Saturday, when they are at home to Newcastle United.

The Cherries face Crystal Palace on Sunday at 14:00 BST, before we kick off against the Merseysiders at 15:30 BST.

Of course, United travel to the Seagulls on the final day, with the south-coast club in impressive form as they look to secure a European place.

Sixth position would gain entry to the Champions League if Aston Villa finish fifth and win the UEFA Europa League.

Carrick's men are in third, with Liverpool three points behind going into the big one at Old Trafford.

UNITED'S REMAINING FIXTURES

Sun 3 May: Liverpool (H) 15:30 BST
Sat 9 May: Sunderland (A) 15:00 BST
Sun 17 May: Nottingham Forest (H) - Fixture still TBC
Sun 24 May: Brighton & Hove Albion (A) 16:00 BST