David de Gea has shown why Manchester United will secure Champions League qualification

If Manchester United listen closely enough they can probably just about hear the Champions League theme tune coming into earshot.

Despite Roberto Firmino's last-gasp equaliser for Liverpool on his Anfield farewell on Saturday afternoon, United are now on the brink of securing a top four finish and Champions League qualification. Casemiro's early goal was enough to seal a professional 1-0 win over Bournemouth at a sun-drenched Vitality Stadium, moving them level on points with third-placed Newcastle United with two games to go.

As a result of Liverpool dropping points against Aston Villa, United are now just one point away from clinching a top four berth and a place back in Europe's premier club competition for next term. Newcastle are also in the same boat, requiring just a point from their last two games to get themselves over the line.

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Liverpool, though they are not mathematically out of it just yet, knew they had to beat Villa to stand any realistic chance of keeping their Champions League dream alive. The lights on that dream have now just about gone out as they only have one game remaining.

United, therefore, know that a point from their last two matches will be enough for boss Erik ten Hag to achieve his main objective this season. Chelsea visit Old Trafford on Thursday night before Fulham visit on the final day of the season next Sunday.

Considering the Reds have not lost on their own patch since September 8, and are unbeaten in M16 in the league since the opening day of the season, it would take something special for them to miss out. They are just about home and hosed.

However, taking their away day struggles into account this season, there was always