Manchester United’s progression to the FA Cup final has reignited their hopes for European qualification next season. However, their recent league form has cast doubt on their ability to secure a top-four finish and automatic Champions League qualification.
With six Premier League games remaining, United are currently seventh in the standings, locked on 50 points. They are two points ahead of eighth-placed West Ham United, who have a game in hand, and six points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, who have played two games more than United.
Tottenham Hotspur currently occupy fifth place, which would guarantee a Europa League group stage berth. However, United could leapfrog Spurs if they finish sixth and win the FA Cup. In that case, Spurs would qualify for the Europa Conference League, which is awarded to the sixth-placed Premier League club.
If United finish below sixth, their European hopes will rest on the outcome of the FA Cup final. A victory over Manchester City would secure a Europa League spot, regardless of their league finish. However, defeat to City would mean United would need to finish sixth or above to avoid dropping into the Europa Conference League.
A seventh-placed finish would almost certainly guarantee qualification for the Europa Conference League, while anything below seventh would likely spell trouble for United’s European ambitions.
With just six league games remaining, United need to find a way to improve their league form and secure a top-six finish to ensure European football next season.
