Aston Villa's potentially winning the Europa League could impact Manchester United
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick wants to take Man United back to the Champions League(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United could receive an unexpected boost in the race for Champions League football if Aston Villa win the Europa League. Currently sitting third in the Premier League, United are pushing to cement their place into the Champions League places as the run‑in tightens.
However, the congested table at the top leaves little margin for error. Should United fall short in the league, their remaining hope would be for Villa to lift the Europa League - a scenario that could open up an additional Champions League spot for the Premier League.
As Tottenham achieved last season after beating United in the Europa League final, if Villa were to clinch the Europa League, they would automatically secure a spot in next season's Champions League as a reward for their triumph.
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The situation could become complex if Villa win the Europa League and qualifies for the Champions League through their Premier League position.
Securing a top-four finish in the Premier League would be enough for a club to qualify for the Champions League, while fifth place will likely be enough, with England set to gain an additional Champions League spot via UEFA's coefficient rankings.
Man United players
Man United are fighting to finish in a Champions League spot(Image: PA)
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If Villa were to secure a top-four or five position in the Premier League and clinch the Europa League, this could alter the Champions League qualification landscape.
Should Villa finish fifth in the Premier League and win the Europa League, an extra spot could potentially be granted to English clubs for the Champions League.
If Villa were to end up fifth, all of the top five would qualify for the Champions League, while sixth place could also earn a spot in the competition due to the additional place awarded to England based on their coefficient ranking.
However, if Villa were to finish fourth and win the Europa League, England would not receive a bonus Champions League qualification spot.
In that case, either the top four or five clubs would qualify, depending on the UEFA coefficient rankings. Liverpool also have a part to play owing to their involvement in the Champions League.
If the Anfield side were to lift the trophy, Villa win the Europa League, and both clubs finish fifth and sixth in the Premier League, then even seventh place in the table could become sufficient to qualify for the Champions League.