Under the guidance of manager Erik ten Hag, Manchester United are trailing behind fifth-placed Aston Villa by a considerable 11-point margin, with only seven matches remaining in the season. Nevertheless, despite this apparent hurdle, there remains a potential route for the Red Devils to secure qualification for the upcoming Champions League.

The UEFA coefficient system has positioned England as one of the top two countries alongside Italy, creating an avenue for an additional Champions League spot. Traditionally, the top four teams secure qualification for the tournament, but this recent rule adjustment could see Tottenham or Aston Villa benefiting instead of Manchester United. Currently, Spurs occupy fourth place with 60 points, ahead of Villa on goal difference, and have a game in hand over United.

However, there is still a faint possibility for Manchester United to secure a Champions League berth even if they finish in sixth place, according to The Sun. This scenario depends on West Ham United claiming fifth place in the Premier League standings and triumphing in the Europa League. Presently, facing Bayer Leverkusen in the quarter-finals, David Moyes’ side could potentially pave the way for another English club to qualify for the Champions League by winning the second-tier European competition.

The significance of this lies in UEFA’s rule that distributes Champions League spots based on domestic league standings rather than European competition winners. Therefore, if West Ham were to achieve success in the Europa League, it would create an additional Champions League spot for an English club, regardless of their league position.

In theory, a seventh-place finish in the Premier League could lead to Champions League qualification if the winners of both the Champions League and Europa League are English clubs outside the top four in the league. However, with Manchester City and Arsenal currently competing for the English domestic title, this scenario seems unlikely for the current season.

With numerous variables in play and the potential for unexpected outcomes, the race for Champions League qualification promises to be captivating until the final moments. Additionally, the possibility of up to 11 English teams qualifying for European competitions underscores the Premier League’s strength and competitiveness on the continental stage. Nonetheless, such an outcome would necessitate outstanding performances from English clubs across various European tournaments, along with significant fluctuations in the Premier League table, which is highly improbable.

Manchester United performance and stats

Manchester United is currently 6th in the Premier League with 49 points.

In the last 31 games, it has won 15 times, drawn 4 times, and lost 12 times. In its last match, Manchester United drawn 2-2 against Liverpool.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 45 goals and conceding 46.​

Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday 13th of April in Bournemouth. The prediction is AFC Bournemouth winning the match.​