Manchester United just about kept their hopes of a Champions League spot alive with their dramatic comeback against French side Lyon - and could join a host of their Premier League rivals at Europe’s top table
Premier League sides are desperate to get a place in the Champions League - and the riches that go with it. No side is in more need of a spot at Europe’s top table than Manchester United.
The Red Devils were a virtual ever-present in the competition under Sir Alex Ferguson but have not hit those same heights since his departure. But a place back in the competition would help them hugely ahead of a potential summer rebuild under current boss Ruben Amorim.
United have reached the semi-finals of the Europa League with their dramatic comeback win against French side Lyon on Thursday.
They will now take on Athletic Bilbao and should they progress past the Spanish side and win the final then they will earn that much-desired Champions League spot. That could even see them earn a spot alongside six of their Premier League rivals - but how will that happen? Mirror Football explains.
As is customary, the top four will automatically seal spots in the Champions League - and the Premier League have already earned a further place. Due to the federation’s UEFA coefficient average, that means fifth place will also qualify for the competition.
As it stands, those teams include Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City. But there could be a sixth team included in the occasion, with the winners of the Europa League securing an automatic Champions League place.
United are still in contention after their win vs Lyon, while Premier League rivals Tottenham could also seal a Champions League spot should they win the competition. Ange Postecoglou’s men are set to take on Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals after overcoming German side Eintracht Frankfurt.
Neither of those sides will seal a European spot through the league so the Europa League is their last route through to the Champions League. Away from the second-tier competition, there is also a situation where a seventh Premier League side could qualify but it depends on what Arsenal do.
The Gunners already look set to qualify for the Champions League courtesy of their league placing. But should they drop out of the top five entirely over the coming weeks and win the Champions League then they would return to the competition.
Mikel Arteta ’s side take on French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals after beating Real Madrid. Should that situation come true, that would see the top five and both the Europa League and Champions League winners qualify, giving the Premier League seven teams at Europe’s top table.