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Manchester United face a seven-game run-in that will determine whether they play in next season’s Champions League and possibly whether Michael Carrick will be appointed as head coach on a permanent basis.

After a fine run of form since taking over in mid-January, Carrick’s side have surged to third place in the Premier League table and are now firm favourites to finish in the top four, at least.

Given that England are leading the coefficient rankings to be granted an extra place at Europe’s top table next year, it is highly likely that finishing fifth or above will result in Champions League qualification – an extra boost for the chasing pack.

With that in mind, United will fancy their chances of ending the season in the top quarter of the division, but they must pass some tricky assignments along the way.

One of these is a trip to Wearside to face a Sunderland side who have enjoyed a fine season back in the top flight of English football.

With multiple fixtures being changed for television coverage in recent weeks, manutd.com have confirmed the Sunderland clash will take place on 9 May at 15:00 GMT, a...