Jamie Carragher playing 'mind games' after making Man Utd and Liverpool prediction

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has had his say on the race for the Premier League's Champions League spots, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea looking for a top-five finish

Jamie Carragher has had his say on the Premier League's top five race(Image: Sky Sports)

Jamie Carragher has tipped Manchester United to secure a Champions League spot - although the former defender might be secretly hoping to put the pressure on Liverpool’s rival.

United gave their hopes of returning to Europe’s top table next season a boost after beating Everton to continue interim manager Michael Carrick’s unbeaten run. The Red Devils have taken 16 out of a possible 18 points since the former midfielder took over from Ruben Amorim, and are in pole position to secure a spot in the Premier League top four.

They now sit three points ahead of both Liverpool and Chelsea, and just three behind third-placed Aston Villa.

Fifth looks as though it could be enough again to secure a Champions League spot this season, with just goal difference separating Liverpool from Chelsea after the Reds secured a last-minute win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, and the Blues could only manage a draw against relegation-bound Burnley the day before.

With both United and Chelsea still to face this season, Arne Slot’s side does have its fate in its own hands, but Carragher believes its biggest rival already has a foot in the Champions League.

“I think Manchester United are virtually a guarantee in that position,’ Carragher said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football after United’s win over Everton.

Manchester United earned a huge three points against Everton

“Aston Villa look like they’re dropping points at the moment and they’ve still got European football on a Thursday night so a lot of Thursday-Sundays.

“Liverpool and Chelsea are both still in the Champions League and they’ve got the FA Cup as well. They’ll want to do well in at least one of those competitions, at least to the semi-final and final.

“Yeah, I can’t see Manchester United not making it.”

Carragher then took a breath before following up his prediction with: “Mind games! No, I do… I do believe that.”

Liverpool.com says: Let’s hope those mind games work Carra! United though does look to be in the perfect position to secure a Champions League spot, with nothing but the Premier League to contend with between now and the end of the season.

Liverpool just has to focus on trying to win every league game before heading into what will be a crucial May, with games against United, Chelsea and Aston Villa all in succession that month.

If the Reds are in the top five by that point, then they should be in a decent position to secure their qualification, which should be the absolute minimum expectation this season.