Premier League Top-Four Battle: Resurgent Manchester United Surge, Liverpool at Risk of Missing UCL?
Bornheimer – The race for a top-four finish in the 2025/2026 Premier League season has intensified, with Manchester United and Liverpool at the center of the battle. Both historic English giants are fighting for a coveted UEFA Champions League spot.
Manchester United currently sit fourth in the table with 48 points from 27 matches. Liverpool, meanwhile, occupy sixth place with 45 points from the same number of games. The three-point gap keeps the competition wide open as the season approaches its decisive phase.
At present, United hold the final Champions League qualification spot. Liverpool, by contrast, remain outside the top four and are positioned in the Conference League playoff zone.
Michael Carrick Sparks Manchester United Revival
A managerial shift has dramatically altered Manchester United’s trajectory. Since replacing Ruben Amorim with Michael Carrick, the team has displayed renewed energy, tactical discipline, and consistency.
Under Carrick, United have played six matches, winning five and drawing one. Notably, they have recorded three clean sheets during this run. Victories over rivals such as Manchester City and Arsenal have reinforced the impression of a genuine resurgence.
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Their latest win against Everton solidified their place in the top four. More importantly, the team appears to have regained confidence and stability at a critical juncture in the season.
Defensive Organization Becomes United’s Foundation
One of the most significant improvements has come in defense. Carrick immediately tightened the structure of the back line, making United more compact and organized.
Harry Maguire and his defensive partners now receive stronger support from midfield. The forwards also contribute more effectively during defensive transitions. This collective effort has reduced vulnerabilities and strengthened overall balance.
As a result, creative players such as Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo operate with greater freedom. With defensive security in place, United have become more composed in attack and more efficient in front of goal.
Liverpool Struggle with Inconsistency
In contrast, Liverpool are enduring a turbulent campaign. Manager Arne Slot has yet to establish sustained consistency, and results have fluctuated throughout the season.
The Reds have suffered eight defeats in 27 matches—already significantly more than during the previous campaign. Although they have recently collected points, performances often lack conviction.
Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister openly admitted the team’s struggles in a recent interview, acknowledging subpar intensity and positioning in certain matches. Such assessments reflect deeper issues within the squad.
Tactical Adjustments and Injuries Complicate Liverpool’s Season
Several factors explain Liverpool’s uneven form. Slot has attempted to reduce reliance on Mohamed Salah and introduce a more collective attacking structure. However, this tactical evolution remains a work in progress.
Key players including Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Cody Gakpo, and even Salah have experienced dips in performance. Meanwhile, new signings have yet to consistently elevate the team’s output.
Injuries have compounded these problems. Frequent absences among core players have limited rotation options, particularly in defense. Consequently, stability has been difficult to maintain during crucial fixtures.
Who Holds the Advantage in the Champions League Race?
Based on current momentum, Manchester United appear better positioned to secure a Champions League berth. The squad’s morale is high, and Carrick’s tactical adjustments have produced immediate dividends.
Liverpool, however, face a more complex path. Beyond closing the gap to United, they must also contend with rivals such as Chelsea in the race for fourth place.
With several decisive matches remaining, the battle is far from over. Yet if present trends continue, Manchester United seem poised to protect their top-four standing, while Liverpool risk falling short of Champions League qualification for the upcoming season.
