With nine Premier League matches left to play, Manchester United remain in control of their own Champions League destiny.

Many of those encounters, though, are difficult, starting with Sunday afternoon's trip to fellow top-four challengers and rivals Liverpool.

Ahead of that clash at Anfield, Sports Mole spoke with former United full-back and 1999 Champions League winner Denis Irwin, who stressed the importance of the club securing a return to Europe's premier competition at the first time of asking.

How important could Sunday's performance against Tottenham be ahead of the nine remaining Premier League games?

"It gives us a big confidence boost for the rest of the season. We've got a tough run-in and are involved in a battle - the players will know that. Liverpool have been on a good run and the gap to City has closed up. So, the display against Spurs came at the right time.

"The results, particularly at home, have been really good, but that performance was much needed. It could do wonders as far as the remaining nine games are concerned."

United's next four games (Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea) are potentially season-defining. What should be regarded as an acceptable points return from those four matches?

"You aim to win your home games and pick up points on your travels, particularly at Liverpool. The vast majority of United fans would probably be happy with a point there. The home results have been very, very good and against Villa and City, they'll be hoping to pick up six points.

"The onus is on United at home to go and win. Seven points out of the next three games would be great and then it's Chelsea away. Again, you're probably going away to pick up a point. A draw away at one of your rivals, there's nothing wrong with that."

All eyes right now are fixed on Sunday's trip to Anfield. What was it like playing there as a United player?

"It's great. The atmosphere there is fantastic for these matches and it's a fantastic stadium to play in. They're on a very good run and because of that it's turned into a huge match. Liverpool have recovered very well from where they were three or four months ago.

"I used to love the atmosphere there. You're playing for those clubs because you enjoy the pressure and the atmosphere that the game provides. The players should be looking forward to it. For me, it's always been United's biggest game."

Would you be tempted to stick with the same team that defeated Spurs? It would mean leaving out Angel di Maria, despite his return from suspension.

"That's the manager's decision. He will probably go away and take a look at what Liverpool have to offer and pick a team accordingly. That's what managers tend to do these days and I wouldn't imagine Louis van Gaal will be any different. It will be down to him to pick the tactics and what style he wants the team to play with.

"We obviously played very well against Spurs and every player produced the goods. It's probably one of only a few games where David de Gea has not had too much to do this season, which was pleasing. Certainly, the 11 that played [against Spurs] have a decent claim to keep their places."

Luke Shaw is likely to miss the match at Anfield through injury, which sums up his season so far. Even so, as a former full-back, do you believe that he will still be a success at United?

"He's had two years playing in the Premier League with Southampton and was involved with England at the World Cup last year. He's been hampered by injuries this year, but I've got no doubt he will be a fantastic player for Manchester United. Remember, he's only 19.

"It's not his fault, but he's got a big price tag on his shoulders, but I'm sure that it will look a snip in a few years.

"The club has got a great tradition of full-backs staying for a long time. We had Patrice Evra, myself, Arthur Albiston, Tony Dunne and Gary Neville on the right hand side. [Shaw] will be here for years to come."

What have you made of Louis van Gaal's stint in charge so far? The team have at least started winning more games under his management following last year's problems.

"We had an unbelievable run of success under Sir Alex and there was always a worry that when he left, there was going to be a bit of a dip. The thing for us, and it seems strange to say this, is just to hang in there and finish fourth.

"After that, they need to build on the back of that. It's a time for change and I'm sure some players will be coming in this summer and others will be leaving.

"The manager did not arrive until mid-July and the pre-season tour came around quickly, but went very well. He played a lot of youngsters and they beat some big teams - Real Madrid, Roma and Liverpool. After that, it was straight into the Premier League.

"He's new to the Premier League and you learn all of the time. I've got no doubt that we will get stronger and stronger over the coming seasons."

Of course, you know Sir Alex well. Do you see any similarities between him and Van Gaal?

"Their teams are both very well organised and they're fantastic managers with a great track record of winning trophies. There's a parallel that way, but I'm sure that Van Gaal has got his own ideas of how he wants his team to play and how we should develop."

How important is it that United do finish in the top four this season and secure a return to the Champions League?

"This year has been strange, really strange, particularly at home. The FA Cup, we had one replay at home and didn't progress in the League Cup. Obviously, there's also been no European matches at Old Trafford.

"You do miss big teams coming. We've had to sit back and watch big teams go to City, Chelsea and Liverpool. That hasn't been nice and it's important that we get back in it. City are going to Barcelona [tonight] and we've missed that massively.

"We have to get back in, simple as that. Of course you have to earn the right to be there and we're in the battle, but we're picking up points and I think the confidence is building at the moment."

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