How many points Man Utd need to secure Champions League qualification

Manchester United require only a single point to secure Champions League football for next season, as long as it comes against Brighton. 

 Michael Carrick's side opened up an 11-point gap over the Seagulls after defeating Brentford on Monday night. 

  United are currently third in the Premier League following a 2-1 win over the Bees at Old Trafford, leaving them on the brink of qualification for Europe's elite competition. 

 With five teams earning Champions League spots this season, only Brighton or Bournemouth—currently sixth and seventh—can still catch United. 

 Carrick's men would need to lose all their remaining games for the Cherries to stand any chance, and Andoni Iraola's side would still have to win four of their own matches.

One more win would remove any threat from Brighton, as the south coast club can only reach a maximum of 62 points. 

 Likewise, two draws would be enough to move United out of reach of their Premier League rivals on 64 points. 

 Carrick's side could even afford to lose all their remaining matches, provided they take a point against the Seagulls on the final day of the season. 

  A draw in that game would limit Brighton to a maximum of 60 points, while United already have 61. 

 If United draw one of their remaining matches and lose the other three, Brighton could still overtake them on goal difference—if they win all their games. 

 United currently hold a five-goal advantage, but that could disappear if Brighton win four matches and United lose three, creating at least a seven-goal swing. 

 United still have fixtures against Liverpool, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton. 

Meanwhile, Brighton must be perfect in away games at Newcastle and Leeds' Elland Road, as well as a home match against Wolves, before facing United. 

 Securing Champions League football would show that Carrick has done all he can to extend his stay in the Old Trafford dugout, though it remains uncertain if it will be enough. 

 The former Middlesbrough manager said he recently spoke with United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. 

"He came in. We had a chat and a cup of tea," he said. "It was a casual chat, to be honest - quite informal. But it was nice to see him." 

 Carrick has been eager to build relationships across the club and feels ownership should stay closely connected with those working at United. 

 "I'm really conscious that's how it should be," he said. "I am trying to do my part with that, as well as is everybody else. I've felt that since I've been here since for sure."