Manchester United are desperately chasing a return to the Champions League, perhaps more so than any other club in the Premier League.
During Sir Alex Ferguson’s era, the Red Devils were a regular fixture in Europe’s top competition, but since his departure, they’ve struggled to consistently reach those heights.
Now, with current boss Ruben Amorim potentially planning a major squad reshuffle in the summer, qualifying for the Champions League would offer a much-needed boost. ..Continue Reading
United have reached the semi-finals of the Europa League following a dramatic comeback win over Lyon on Thursday night.
They’re now set to face Athletic Bilbao, and if they can overcome the Spanish side and go on to win the final, they’ll clinch that all-important Champions League berth.
This could mean England has six teams competing in next season’s Champions League—but how could that happen?
Under the current UEFA rules, the top four teams in the Premier League automatically qualify for the Champions League.
Thanks to the league’s strong UEFA coefficient, an additional fifth spot has been granted this year.
As it stands, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City occupy those top spots. But if a Premier League club wins the Europa League, they too will qualify—potentially making it six English teams.
Manchester United are still in contention after their win against Lyon, and fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur could also claim a Champions League slot if they lift the Europa League trophy.
Tottenham, managed by Ange Postecoglou, will meet Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals after eliminating Eintracht Frankfurt.
Neither United nor Spurs are likely to qualify for Europe via the league, so winning the Europa League is their only route back to the top tier.
There’s even a scenario where a seventh Premier League club could qualify, depending on how Arsenal perform in Europe.
Arsenal are currently set to qualify through their league position, but if they slip out of the top five and win the Champions League instead, they’d automatically take a spot.
Mikel Arteta’s side is preparing to face PSG in the semi-finals after beating Real Madrid.
If Arsenal win the Champions League without finishing in the top five, they’ll still qualify—meaning England could send seven teams to next season’s competition.
