Despite currently sitting in sixth place in the Premier League, Manchester United still have a chance to qualify for the Champions League. However, this will only be possible with assistance from West Ham United.
The format for the upcoming season will see an additional Champions League spot being granted to the two countries with the highest UEFA coefficient. Currently, Italy holds the top spot, with England tied on points with Germany. However, based on a previous season countback, the Premier League would receive the extra spot if things remain as they are.
This indicates that instead of the usual four, the top five teams in the Premier League will be eligible for the Champions League in the upcoming season.
Despite Manchester United’s current 11-point deficit to fourth place, the proposed format change could serve as a saving grace for the Red Devils. However, it is a cause for concern for Erik ten Hag’s team as they are also 11 points behind fifth place, currently held by Aston Villa.
Despite the current standings, there is still a path for Man United to secure a sixth place finish and qualify for the Champions League. Here’s how:
If West Ham United win the Europa League and England secure at least two of the top spots in the UEFA coefficient rankings, Manchester United will qualify for the Champions League even if they finish sixth in the Premier League.
The Hammers, currently one point behind Ten Hag’s squad, would have to rely on Aston Villa, who are currently in fifth place with an 11-point lead over United, to drop in the final six games. In addition, they would need to make a strong push up the table and succeed in their Europa League campaign.
If a team wins the Europa League, they will automatically qualify for the following season’s Champions League. In the event that England is granted a bonus fifth spot in the Champions League based on their coefficient rankings, and the winners of the Europa League finish in fifth place, the sixth-placed team will then receive the extra spot.
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