How Manchester United can deny Liverpool Champions League spot even if Anfield club finishes fourth

Manchester United retained third place in the Premier League table over the weekend as Tottenham let a two-goal lead slip to draw 3-3 with relegation-threatened Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

It means United will occupy third over the current international break, ahead of resuming their league campaign against fellow top-four hopefuls Newcastle United on April 2. United, who are currently on 50 points, are two places and three points ahead of the Magpies in the table.

Although that contest at St. James' Park promises to play a key role in the race for a top-four finish, United remain a strong bet to secure Champions League qualification for next season. They have two games in hand on Tottenham and have proven that they can deliver the goods when needed to.

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However, just eight points currently separate Erik ten Hag's side and Brentford in eighth, meaning nothing can be taken for granted just yet. Brentford, Brighton and Liverpool, who are all on 42 points, are also in the running.

Even though Brentford and Brighton are enjoying exceptional campaigns, Liverpool will be considered as the most likely of those three clubs to push for and secure a top-four finish and potentially grab fourth. Should Jurgen Klopp's side enjoy a strong finish to the campaign and occupy the final Champions League place come the end of May, they would usually qualify for the competition without any questions being asked.

However, there is a situation whereby the club that actually finishes fourth this season could miss out on competing in Europe's premier club competition next season. Rules set out by UEFA state that a maximum of five teams from any given country can