Explained: How Man Utd can still qualify for Champions League by finishing sixth in Premier League after UEFA rule change

Under the leadership of manager Erik ten Hag, United find themselves trailing behind fifth-placed Aston Villa by 11 points, with only seven games left in the season. However, despite this seemingly insurmountable gap, there is still a pathway for the Red Devils to qualify for the next edition of the Champions League.

The UEFA co-efficient system has positioned England as one of the top two countries alongside Italy, paving the way for an additional Champions League place. While the top-four teams traditionally secure qualification for the Champions League, this rule change could see Tottenham or Aston Villa benefitting from it instead of Manchester United. Spurs are currently in fourth, ahead of Villa on goal difference, with 60 points and have a game in hand on United.

Yet, there remains a slim chance for the Red Devils to clinch a Champions League spot even if they end up finishing in sixth - The Sun. This scenario hinges on West Ham United securing fifth place in the Premier League standings and winning the Europa League. Currently facing Bayer Leverkusen in the quarter-finals, David Moyes' side have an opportunity to create a pathway for another English club to qualify for the Champions League if they go on to win the second-tier European competition.

The significance of this lies in the UEFA rule that allocates Champions League spots based on domestic league finishes rather than European competition winners. Therefore, if West Ham achieve success in the Europa League, it would open up an additional Champions League spot for an English club, irrespective of their league position.

In theory, a seventh-place finish in the Premier League could lead to Champions League football if both the winners of the Champions League and Europa League are English clubs that finish outside the top four in the league. However, with Manchester City and Arsenal currently vying for the English domestic crown, this scenario is improbable for the current season.

With multiple variables at play and the potential for major upsets, the race for Champions League spots promises to be gripping until the very end. Moreover, the prospect of as many as 11 English teams qualifying for European competitions highlights the strength and competitiveness of the Premier League on the continental stage. However, such an outcome would require a remarkable series of performances from English clubs across the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, along with significant fluctuations in the Premier League table - which is highly unlikely.