Manchester United could be back in the Champions League next seasonplaceholder image
Manchester United could be back in the Champions League next season | AFP via Getty Images
Man Utd have targeted Champions League qualification at the end of the season.
Manchester United have been handed a small setback in their chances of securing Champions League qualification next season.
United are currently third in the Premier League table, level on points with Aston Villa and three ahead of both Chelsea and Liverpool. They welcome Villa to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in what could be a huge match in their race for a top-four finish.
Michael Carrick's side know a top-four finish will guarantee them a place in the top continental club competition next season, while a fifth-place finish could also be enough. The Premier League currently tops the Uefa coefficient table, with the top two teams handed an additional qualification spot in the competition. However, their lead is not strong as it once was after a disastrous week for English clubs in the Champions League.
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Will the Premier League get an extra Champions League spot?
The Premier League are still in pole position to secure one of the additional EPS spots next season, though things could change quickly if English clubs are unable to turn their fortunes around in Europe.
Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham all lost in their Champions League last 16 first-legs this week, while Arsenal and Newcastle were held to draws. It means that while England top the coefficient table with an average of 22.513 points, their generous lead over Spain, Germany, and Italy could quickly alter.
The Premier League is still well-placed to secure an additional Champions League spot next season, despite a poor week for English clubs in Europe. Would take something extraordinary for them to miss out entirely now #mufc #avfc #cfc #lfc pic.twitter.com/E96S2DHlZq
— Rich Fay (@RichFay) March 12, 2026
Each win in European competition is worth two points, while a draw is worth one. Bonus points are also awarded for progression in the respective tournaments, with a larger reward for those in the Champions League than for those in the Europa League and Conference League. England still have all nine teams active in European competition this season, with Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest in Europa League action, while Crystal Palace are still in the Conference League.
The picture could quickly change if several English clubs are knocked out of European competition over the next week, with Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and France all still capable of overtaking their points total. However, it still seems unlikely they will miss out on a top-two place in the rankings entirely.
United know the best way to avoid that concern is to finish in the top four. With only nine matches left of the Premier League season, it is in their hands.
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