It's now mathematically certain

Manchester United will compete in the UEFA Champions League in 2015/16. The Reds, who missed out on qualifying for Europe's premier competition last season, are guaranteed to finish in at least fourth spot in the Barclays Premier League after fifth-placed Liverpool lost at home to Crystal Palace on last night (all times local). Palace, with former United winger Wilfried Zaha among the scorers, beat Brendan Rodgers' side 3-1 in Steven Gerrard's final home match as captain. Louis van Gaal’s men still have an opportunity to finish higher in the table, but need other results going the right way. A victory over third-placed Arsenal on Sunday would put United a point ahead of the Gunners, but Arsene Wenger’s men crucially have a game in hand, at home to Sunderland on Wednesday, ensuring their destiny remains in their own hands. Second-placed Manchester City are currently five points ahead of the Reds with two games to go – the Blues travel to Swansea on Sunday lunchtime, before finishing with a home game against Southampton. If United finish the campaign in fourth, the Reds will need to get through a two-legged qualifying play-off to be in the hat for the group stage. The draw for the play-off takes place on Friday 7 August with the first leg to be played on 18/19 August and the second leg scheduled for 25/26 August. Let's hope LVG can win this one as well as the Premiership next season.