Manchester United tops the Premier League in 2026, is Champions League qualification guaranteed? Carrick warns against complacency

Under Carrick’s management, Manchester United’s position in the table has risen consistently, achieving a first-ever top-four spot and narrowing the distance to third-place Aston Villa to only 3 points. Statistics reveal that United boasts the strongest Premier League form in 2026, collecting 18 points from 8 games, ahead of Arsenal and Man City’s 16 points. Carrick is happy that United is at the center of the Champions League qualification battle but reminds the squad to stay grounded.

Given that the Premier League currently leads other European competitors by a wide margin in UEFA's coefficient rankings for two additional slots, finishing fifth almost certainly guarantees UEFA competition qualification. However, Carrick remains cautious and does not take this for granted.

“It’s a positive sign that everyone is asking this question; it shows we have made a strong start for ourselves,” Carrick said when discussing United’s hopes of returning to the Champions League. “It’s only been a few weeks, so we won’t get carried away. But Manchester United is in a good place right now, full of confidence, and we should feel that way. There are many positives to build on, and it’s entirely possible to achieve. The key is whether we seize the opportunity ourselves.”

Carrick added, “I wish Manchester United were in an even better position, though things are already looking quite good. We remain optimistic, and I believe that optimism is justified because there is plenty of encouraging news to look forward to.”

Manchester United will face Crystal Palace on Sunday; Oliver Glasner’s team is struggling, so securing all three points should not be difficult for the Red Devils. However, upcoming opponents like Newcastle, Villa, and Bournemouth will be much tougher challenges. In April, strong teams such as Chelsea, Brentford, and Liverpool await.

After Carrick’s second stint as Manchester United’s coach, the team recorded 5 wins and 1 draw in the first 6 matches, but the level of control displayed has somewhat declined. From dominating the game against Manchester City to struggling somewhat against West Ham and Everton, opponents have become familiar with Carrick’s tactics, the novelty of a new coach has worn off, and rivals are actively trying to disrupt United’s rhythm.

Carrick reminded the team, “Some matches might be tough battles where you have to show different aspects of your game. We won the first four matches consecutively and played well. I expected there would be periods where we need to adjust, regain form, and strive to maintain good results. We managed that against West Ham, and again today. I believe this spirit, sacrifice, willingness to work as a team, and our defensive efforts in the final stages of the match, where everyone played their part, leading to a clean sheet, was fantastic. This was a great victory for us.”

Manchester United’s next opponent, Crystal Palace, has been in poor form recently but has shown signs of recovery, having just defeated Wolves 1-0. Carrick warned United not to assume victory is guaranteed, as there are no sure wins in the Premier League.

Carrick said, “There are many things to review, and we will learn from tonight’s game. Surely, there are areas we can improve. I don’t recall exactly how long I’ve been here—seven, eight weeks, or longer? In any case, we’re still in the early stages and can’t expect perfection. We’ll have a few days to reflect and find ways to get better. Every match is different. Tonight, we found a way to win, and hopefully, we can do the same next Sunday.”

Although Manchester United has reduced the gap to Villa, Liverpool behind them has also closed in, so the match against Crystal Palace requires full focus to maintain and strengthen their advantage in the race for Champions League qualification.