Our columnist, Manchester United fan Ben McCarthy, gives his take on the Reds' last two assignments and looks ahead to a crucial week in their season.

Manchester United took another step towards Champions League qualification after their 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

They capitalised on Newcastle and Spurs’ defeats and moved up to third. And with both playing one another next week while United are in the FA Cup, it could further solidify the Reds' place in the top four. 

Prior to this, United faced a setback against Sevilla in the Europa League quarter final, drawing 2-2 at home in the first leg. Erik ten Hag’s side are well within contention to progress, but things would have been a lot easier had they not squandered a two-goal lead. 

Marcel Sabitzer’s quick-fire brace put United 2-0 ahead and they looked to be cruising, until two inadvertent own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire led to a late comeback from the Spanish side. 

Although the manager and players will have to take accountability for not finishing the game and wasting the lead, there's also a case they were quite unlucky. 

Bruno Fernandes picked up a harsh yellow card after his attempted block struck his hand from close range, leading to a suspension for the second leg and causing ten Hag to substitute him to avoid receiving a second yellow. 

Raphael Varane was brought off at half-time through injury and then Lisandro Martinez was stretchered off, leading to United finishing the game with 10 men and eventually conceding the equaliser. 

The Reds now need a win in Seville to reach the semi-finals, where they would be against either Juventus or Sporting Lisbon. But it won’t be easy against a Sevilla side that has been a thorn in United’s side over recent years in Europe. 

Injury concerns followed for Ten Hag’s team on Sunday when Sabitzer pulled out of the starting line-up minutes before kick-off and was replaced by Christian Eriksen, who is by no imagination a poor replacement. However, with Malacia also absent with a knock and several others unavailable, there are worries about squad fitness. 

Although against Forest, any nerves about an upset were squashed as United were dominant following a shaky start. It’s now four wins out of four against Steve Cooper’s side. And had it not been for goalkeeper Keylor Navas, United would have scored more. 

The midfield trio of Casemiro, Eriksen and Bruno was fantastic. It’s the first time they have started together since 28 January and United haven't lost when all three are in the starting XI. 

Antony also deserves a mention for one of his best performances in a United shirt, scoring the first and assisting Diogo Dalot for the second. Although Ten Hag expects the Brazilian to be more consistent, he is starting to show his importance to the team and stepping up in the absence of Marcus Rashford. 

Overall, it was another good response after the Sevilla disappointment. It may have been an easy game on paper against a team without a win in nine but United delivered and moved closer to a top-four finish. 

However, another big week awaits Ten Hag’s side, including their second leg against Sevilla before facing Brighton at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final. They may be without some key players, but the manager has asked for no excuses and will be aiming to continue to progress in each competition. 

Hopefully, the likes of Rashford, Luke Shaw and Alejandro Garnacho can return soon to provide more depth, something the team will heavily rely on in the final push. Especially now that Ten Hag will likely be without his best centre-back partnership in Varane and Martinez until next season. 

It’s yet another challenge for United to face and should they be able to navigate this pitfall, they’ll be even closer to more silverware.

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