"United were 11 points behind Villa when Carrick was appointed until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim's dismissal less than 24 hours after a 1-1 draw at Leeds on Jan. 4. But an incredible upturn in form under Carrick -- United have collected 19 points from a possible 21 -- has transformed the team's season and they are now favorites to claim a Champions League spot."
"The four-way race for three Champions League spots is tight and Villa face Chelsea at Villa Park in a huge game on Wednesday that will have a significant bearing on the hopes of both teams. All the clubs involved face fixtures against each other between now and the end of the season, so how will it play out and who will miss out?"
The Premier League's Champions League qualification race intensifies with Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Chelsea competing for three available spots behind leaders Arsenal and Manchester City. United occupies third place with 51 points, level with Villa but ahead on goal difference. Liverpool sits fifth with 48 points, while Chelsea occupies sixth with 45 points. Under interim manager Michael Carrick, United has dramatically improved, collecting 19 points from 21 available after a poor start under Ruben Amorim. The four teams face critical fixtures against each other, including Villa versus Chelsea on Wednesday. United's upcoming matches against Newcastle and Villa will prove decisive in their qualification hopes, with a six-point cushion over Chelsea providing some security.
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Read at ESPN.com
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