Manchester United have all but secured their place in next seasons Champions League. Although not mathematically secure, United are almost certain to make the top 4, as their goal difference over Liverpool is far too substantial.

Liverpool will need to make up a 14 goal difference in order to overtake United, and ensure that the Red Devils lose both of their remaining games. A task which is almost impossible, it would indeed take a miracle of the highest order.

Louis van Gaal’s first season in charge was always going to be a challenge. Despite spending upwards of £150 million on new players, Van Gaal’s main target would have been to ensure a top 4 finish. The Dutchman has come under scrutiny often this season, although in hindsight the manager has ensured United’s position in the top 4 for the majority of the season, with only a poor start to the campaign preventing the side from challenging further.

After a season which saw no Champions League football at United for the first time in 20 years, it is now expected that they will once again join Europe’s elites, and challenge once again. However, although the job to qualify for the Champions League is done, United, assuming they finish 4th, will have to qualify once more in what could turn out to be a tricky set of fixtures against sides from all over Europe.

It has been a poor year for the English clubs in the Champions League, with all 4 sides crashing out early on. Many have suggested that the absence of Manchester United in the premiere European competition has taken away the real ‘feel’ of the Champions League. Something that can now be put right.

So it’s not the end of the season for United, but the main objective has been achieved, we can finally rest!