Manchester United Seal Top-Four Finish As Liverpool Miss Out On Champions League Qualification For First Time In Seven Years
Manchester United will play in the UEFA Champions League next season after guaranteeing a top-four finish in the Premier League.
United beat Chelsea 4-1 on Thursday night to move six points clear of Liverpool with just one round of EPL fixtures remaining.
Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford fired United into a commanding lead at Old Trafford before Joao Felix scored a late consolation goal for Chelsea.
Bruno Fernandes pictured (center) celebrating a goal during Manchester United's 4-1 win over Chelsea
IMAGO/PA Images/Martin Rickett
Liverpool will finish fifth regardless of the results on the final day of the EPL season.
The Reds had competed in six consecutive editions of the Champions League and reached the final in 2018, 2019 and 2022.
But Jurgen Klopp's team will have to settle for a place in the Europa League next season.
Liverpool forward Mo Salah has not played in the Europa League since moving to Anfield from Roma in 2017.
Salah posted a statement on social media shortly after United's win over Chelsea on Thursday.
It read: "I'm totally devastated. There's absolutely no excuse for this.
"We had everything we needed to make it to next year's Champions League and we failed.
"We are Liverpool and qualifying to the competition is the bare minimum.
"I am sorry but it's too soon for an uplifting or optimistic post. We let you and ourselves down."
Liverpool will face Southampton in their final game of the season on Sunday.
Meanwhile, United will conclude their Premier League campaign with a home match against Fulham.
Erik ten Hag's side will then switch their focus to the FA Cup final against Manchester City on June 3.
