Manchester United summer transfer plans will be decided in next three weeks

What a difference a week makes.

Just seven days after taking a giant stride towards securing a top-four finish with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa, Manchester United, all of a sudden, are now looking nervously over their shoulders. Sunday night's 1-0 defeat to West Ham United has left them just one point ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool with just three weeks of the season remaining.

David de Gea's latest howler gifted the Hammers all three points at the London Stadium, leaving Erik ten Hag and his United players to reflect on a second away defeat in just four days. The Reds have taken just four points from the last 12 on offer and have scored just one goal in their last three matches. They're stuttering at the wrong time.

READ MORE: United players' reaction to David de Gea mistake shows a change is needed

Liverpool, on the flip side, are gathering momentum like a train, chalking up a sixth successive Premier League win with Saturday's 1-0 triumph over Brentford at Anfield. Though it wasn't pretty, it was a victory that has put them right back in the conversation for a top-four finish.

Only a week ago, United looked a certain bet to achieve a top-four spot, resulting in Champions League qualification for next season being secured. Suddenly, however, nerves appear to be creeping in, with their defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and the Hammers not offering much in the way of confidence.

Although United should take comfort from the fact that three of their last four Premier League fixtures are at home, recent results coupled with Liverpool's charge up the table mean that pressure could get to them, just as it has on several occasions this season when the going has got tough. We all remember what happened at Anfield and St