Manchester United's European embarrassment could end up costing Liverpool Champions League place
Even Liverpool, English football’s most successful club in European competition, have no divine right to Champions League qualification.
The Premier League’s competitive nature occasionally throws a spanner in the works for the ensuing campaign. This time around, Liverpool had to make do with the Europa League after they missed out a top-four spot.
When Spanish, Italian or German clubs endure a below-par season, they tend to retain their Champions League status. The same cannot be said for those in England.
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Jurgen Klopp’s side settled for Europa League football as Arsenal and Newcastle United regained their top-four status after several years on the sidelines. However, a solid start to 2023-24 has resulted in many already backing Liverpool’s return to Europe’s elite dining table as a foregone conclusion.
Should changes to the Champions League format next year - which could grant the top five placing Premier League teams qualification - ensure the Reds do not miss out?
Controversial amendments to the fresh structure will allow an extra Champions League place for the two best-performing nations across UEFA competition this season. Given the Premier League’s might, England were widely tipped to secure one of those positions come May.
A league table is compiled throughout the campaign, with clubs earning their respective nations points for wins and progressing to the latter stages of competition. As it stands, England are fifth - with Turkey and Belgium leading the charge.
Manchester United have fared the worst so far, sitting rock bottom of a group which looked straightforward on
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