Manchester United have shown again what will secure them Champions League qualification

Six points. That is all that stands between Manchester United and a return to the Champions League.

The Reds, who reluctantly swapped Europe's premier club competition for facing Europa League fodder on Thursday evenings this season, took a giant stride towards achieving a top four finish on Saturday, beating Wolves 2-0 at Old Trafford. Goals from Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho sealed a vital three points, meaning they have reestablished their four-point cushion over fifth-placed Liverpool.

United, though they made hard work of it by once again squandering several presentable opportunities, were the better side throughout the contest and fully deserved maximum points. However, it was not until Garnacho struck deep into added time that the points were firmly in their grasp.

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Nevertheless, at this stage of the season, three points are three points, meaning Erik ten Hag was no doubt relieved that his side put their back-to-back away defeats at Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United behind them. He wanted a reaction and he got one.

In truth, the Dutchman was probably confident of getting one, such is the impressiveness of United's Old Trafford form this season. The Reds are now unbeaten on their own patch in each of their last 27 matches in all competitions and have not lost in the Premier League in M16 since the opening day of the campaign.

Victory over Wolves marked United's fourth successive home win in the league and sixth successive league clean sheet on their own patch. They have not conceded a league goal at Old Trafford since February 8.

United have now won 13 of their 17 home league games this term, amassing 42 points in