Premier League chance of fifth earning Champions League as Man Utd close gap

18 February 2024 , 19:58

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Man Utd are now within three points of fifth (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United's win at Luton Town saw them close to within three points of Tottenham in fifth.

The north Londoners were beaten at home by Wolves on Saturday and then saw the Red Devils take advantage as they secured a narrow victory at Kenilworth Road. It was United's fourth win on the bounce as they continue their impressive start to 2024.

A revamped Champions League is set to see 36 teams enter next term - four more than has usually been the case. Two of those spots will go to the two leagues who've performed the best in European competition with the Premier League firmly in the race.

It means rather than the top four allowing access to Europe's top table it would instead be the top five. Currently that looks to be a battle involving Tottenham, Aston Villa and United - although more teams could yet enter the race.

If the Premier League is to get a fifth team in the Champions League they will need their relevant parties to go deep into the three European competitions. As things stands Manchester City are favourites to retain the European Cup, Liverpool are tipped to win the Europa League and Aston Villa are the favourites to win the Europa Conference League.

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It all comes down to coefficient points - effectively UEFA's way of determining which leagues are doing the best across all their tournaments. Points are handed out for wins and draws and the picture will change again in the comings week with the knockout stages in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League all returning.

The more teams your country has doesn't necessarily increase your ranking though, as it is determined on averages. This year England began with eight teams in European football - four in the Champions League, three in the Europa League and one in the Europa Conference League.

A new format in the Champions League will welcome more clubs (UEFA via Getty Images)

That is now down to six with Newcastle United and Manchester United getting dumped out of the top tier competition. Whilst English teams have actually amassed more points that their rivals from Italy and Germany (England 109, Italy 98, Germany 95.5), they are behind in the rankings. There were only seven teams from Italy and Germany competing, so once you do the average per team they sit higher than the English.

Current coefficient points

1. Italy 14.7

2. Germany 13.9

3. England 13.8

4. Spain 12.9

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Samuel Meade