Manchester United's path to the Champions League

Manchester United’s 4-0 victory over Norwich City on Saturday put them within touching distance of the top four in the Premier League.

The Red Devils are five points behind Chelsea with 16 games to play and will fancy their chances of overhauling them on the run-in.

With the Europa League also offering a route into next season’s Champions League, United still have plenty to play for this term.

Read on as we look at some of the key games Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side need to win if they’re to make it back into Europe’s top club competition.

Wolverhampton Wanderers – February 1

With Wolves also having designs on finishing in the top four, their meeting with United at Old Trafford at the start of February is an important fixture.

Wolves have yet to be beaten by United since their promotion back to the Premier League in 2018 and they are a tough side to break down.

However, United have lost just once at home in the league this season and will fancy their chances of picking up three points in this one.

Chelsea – February 17

The game at Stamford Bridge could make-or-break United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League via their finishing position in the league.

Chelsea have exceeded expectations under Frank Lampard and a victory here would make them overwhelming favourites to finish in the top four.

United will take a huge following to London for the game and if you’re on the lookout for tickets click here to swell the numbers.

Club Brugge – February 20 & 27

The Europa League offers United a handy back-up plan should things not work out as planned in the Premier League.

The Red Devils should have little difficult seeing off Club Brugge over two legs to progress through to the last 16 of the competition.

The Belgian side failed to register a victory in the opening stage of the Champions League and don’t possess enough quality to trouble United.

Manchester City – March 7

United triumphed 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the season and will be eager to complete the double in the reverse fixture.

However, they were subsequently dismantled by City in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final and their local rivals will be keen to repeat the trick on March 7.

Solksjaer’s side have proved that they can compete with City, but they will be need to be on top of their game if they’re to take anything from this fixture.

Leicester City – May 17

United’s fixtures after the derby clash with City are fairly favourable, giving them an excellent chance of padding out their points tally during the run-in.

Catching Chelsea for fourth place certainly won’t be easy and may well go down to the final game against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

United defeated the Foxes 1-0 at Old Trafford earlier in the season and if the home side have already booked their place in the top four this should be a winnable game.