The Premier League top four race is reaching a fever pitch, and Manchester United’s resurgence has added a new twist to the tale.
The Red Devils capitalised on Liverpool’s setback last weekend to move into the top four.
Liverpool were knocked down to sixth in the Premier League table after their 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth, while United and Chelsea moved ahead.
United claimed a stunning 3-2 victory over table toppers and title favourites Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, while Chelsea skipped past Crystal Palace with a comfortable 3-1 victory.
The race for the fourth and final guaranteed Champions League spot is difficult to predict, although England’s performance in the competition could give them an additional slot next season.
Just four points separate fifth-placed Chelsea from 11th-placed Sunderland, although the Blues are still major top-four contenders alongside United and Liverpool.
United have an advantage over their competitors, considering they’ll be playing one game per week as a result of being eliminated from the domestic cups and not being in Europe.
Liverpool are winless in their last five Premier League games (D4, L1) and are still looking for their first victory in 2026, which doesn’t bode well for their chances.
Meanwhile, Liam Rosenior’s appointment hasn’t stifled Chelsea’s momentum, and the Blues will hope to extend their impressive form over the next five fixtures.
With five rounds of Premier League games scheduled until the end of February, Sports View previews the next five fixtures that United, Chelsea, and Liverpool have in that timeframe.
Manchester United
Michael Carrick could hardly have imagined a better start to his second interim spell as United manager.
The former United midfielder has won each of his two games in charge so far, getting the better of bitter rivals Manchester City and Arsenal to lift the mood at Old Trafford.
Carrick’s early success has left United fans beaming with renewed belief that they can return to the upper echelons of the Premier League this season.
The 44-year-old stepped in to replace Ruben Amorim, carrying on the task of returning United to the Champions League. Not many would have fancied their chances, but Carrick has changed that outlook.
After overseeing impressive wins over City and Arsenal, United have moved into fourth place in the Premier League table, one point ahead of Chelsea and two above Liverpool.
