A look at what Manchester United need to wrap up a top four finish and Champions League qualification

Manchester United lost to Brighton on Thursday night, jeopardizing their chances of finishing in the top four.

The Red Devils squandered a significant opportunity to go closer to clinching Champions League football when Luke Shaw gave up a penalty late into stoppage time, practically handing Brighton the victory. As they enter the season's final games, United do, however, still firmly control their own destiny.

Here, we examine the precise conditions that must exist for United to reach an agreement before the campaign's conclusion.

The earliest United can secure top four, providing Brighton and United win their remaining games, is with one game remaining. United is now four points behind Liverpool with a game in hand and eight points clear of Brighton having played a game more.

In that case, the Red Devils would require a maximum of four additional victories, but that is unlikely to happen. Both Brighton and United are unlikely to earn all possible points. While Liverpool could still gain ground and complicate matters, Erik ten Hag's team can provide much-needed breathing room if they win their game in hand.

If United wins the game they have left, they can avoid Liverpool with two games remaining, meaning they only need to win one more game.