- Five Premier League teams to get UCL places
- United are seven points clear of sixth
- Some tricky fixtures involved in European battle
Manchester United are hoping to return to the UEFA Champions League after a three-year stint out of the competition.
Their chances have increased as Arsenal’s win over Sporting Lisbon last night confirms that five Champions league places will be up for grabs in the Premier League.
The Premier League’s coefficient is highest because nine English sides reached the Round of 16 in their competition. Spain are currently favourites to take second place, which also earns their league an extra Champions League place.
Michael Carrick’s side are currently in third on 55 points, seven points clear of sixth, which gives them an unbelievable chance to return to Europe’s elite competition.
Manchester United’s End of Season Key
The advantage the Red Devils have gives them a clear objective for the remainder of the season. It seemed unlikely they would be in this position under Ruben Amorin, but Carrick has turned it around.
Before the international break, they dropped points in away games to Bournemouth and Newcastle, which won’t have been ideal. But with other teams around them showing signs of inconsistency, they didn’t drop down the table.
Nevertheless, the supporters, players and staff will be hoping to iron out results and continue their push towards the Champions League.
They take on rivals Leeds United this weekend, who have the wind behind their sails as they beat West Ham this past Sunday to reach the FA Cup semi-final for the first time in 39 years.
In the following Premier League game, they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with this game being crucial to either team’s European aspirations, but this isn’t the only game with targets in mind, as at the beginning of May, Arne Slot’s Liverpool travel to Old Trafford.
It’s not a foregone conclusion that Carrick’s troops will qualify for Europe, but the position they find themselves in means a top display in one of these encounters should provide United with further breathing room.
Time for Changes
The transfer window is nearly upon us, which means Premier League fans start to ponder which players could be representing their colours next season. United qualifying is an even greater incentive for players to join, but they mustn’t follow their 2023 summer window strategy.
After reaching Europe’s elite club competition, the club signed players who were either long-term projects, gambles, or players to add depth without the quality.
Looking at the signings of that window, which includes Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Sofyan Amrabat, Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans and Sergio Reguilón. It’s hard to say any of them worked as long-term, viable options.
They also didn’t help in the group stage, as United were failed to even drop down to the Europa League, with some tough defeats.
While Senne Lammens and Benjamin Sesko were viewed as projects, they have worked out at this stage, while Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha added important Premier League experience.
If United are to carry on qualifying for the main European tournament, they must continue making smart signings rather than rash ones.
