English clubs bring good news for Man United in European competitions

With 8 out of 9 English clubs securing victories in the sixth round of group matches in European tournaments, the opportunity for Man United to participate in next season's Champions League, despite being only fifth in the domestic league, is becoming more likely.

Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford hoping to initiate a "tactical rebuild," but long-standing issues cannot be resolved overnight. The squad remains unstable, the attack lacks sharpness, and the defense continues to suffer from individual errors. The style of play that Amorim aims to establish is still in the experimental phase, causing the Red Devils to sometimes lack cohesion and drop crucial points.

Although still facing challenges under coach Ruben Amorim’s tenure, Manchester United unexpectedly sees hope through the success of their English rivals in European competitions. When the Premier League thrives in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, the Red Devils, despite not directly participating, could still be the biggest beneficiaries.

Specifically, after the recent European matches, England's UEFA coefficient has significantly improved. Arsenal, Man City, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace all secured wins, pushing the Premier League closer to earning a fifth Champions League spot next season. In this context, Man United, currently sixth in the Premier League after 15 rounds, suddenly finds itself in a completely different position in the top-tier race.

After 15 matches, Man United sits in sixth place, just behind Chelsea (fifth) on goal difference. The point gap is nearly nonexistent, meaning with a favorable round, Amorim’s squad can break into the top five. If UEFA officially grants the Premier League an extra Champions League spot, the door to Europe opens wider than ever for the Red Devils.

Ironically, while Man United is still struggling to find their form, the rise of Arsenal, Man City, and Aston Villa in the "big sea" inadvertently lifts them from a disadvantageous position. They don’t need to push too hard; maintaining steady performance in the Premier League and capitalizing on rivals’ slips is enough to turn the fifth Champions League place into a real possibility.

For Amorim, this can be seen as a "lifeline" in his first full season at Old Trafford. The pressure to achieve results is always heavy for any Man United coach, and securing a Champions League spot remains a milestone that could encourage the board to be more patient with the rebuilding process. Given the squad needs more time to adapt to the new philosophy, a shorter path to the Champions League clearly holds strategic importance.

More importantly, the Champions League is not just about prestige. It is also a source of funding, transfer appeal, and confidence—elements Man United urgently requires. Returning to Europe’s premier stage would give Amorim additional leverage to attract stars and gradually build the team according to his vision.