Manchester United secured their place back in the Champions League on Thursday after their win 4-1 over Chelsea cemented a top-four finish.
The result saw them go above Newcastle United, who were held to a goalless draw with Leicester on Monday night. The Magpies can still finish above the Reds if they fail to beat Fulham at Old Trafford on the final day and Newcastle beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
But the most important factor is that United now cannot be caught by Liverpool, who are now four points back in fifth with only a game left to play. A top-four finish denotes a terrific debut season from Erik ten Hag, who won the League Cup in February and had an FA Cup final to look forward to next week.
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Ten Hag already hinted that there had been increased transfer in interest with United on the cusp of a Champions League return and after they confirmed their entry, the boss outlined his ambition for the club to recruit “better” players this summer.
He has the luxury of not having to go through a Champions League play-off round, and thus avoiding a disastrous early exit, even if United finish fourth. In previous years those who finish in that position were required to battle a European rival for a place in the group stages.
United had to do this in the 2015/16 season versus Belgian side Club Brugge. But as from the 2018/19 season, teams who finish inside the top four go straight through to the main competition.
This applies for countries with elite UEFA Coefficient league rankings, England being top of the pile. United will likely be seeded in Pot Two for the 2023/24 group stage draw, albeit are still ranked eighth in UEFA’s club Coefficient table.
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