Manchester United’s chances for Europa League qualification rest hugely on Manchester City’s FA Cup triumph.
Manchester United suffered another setback in the race for the top-4 after the side was held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer’s men started the game brightly and were rewarded in the early minutes of the first half, as Juan Mata scored the opening goal. However, De Gea committed another mistake for Chelsea’s equalizer.
Both the sides failed to capitalize on their chances as the game ended in a draw. With this result, Manchester United will now have to largely depend on their rivals’ results to secure a Champions League qualification place.
If United fails to finish fifth in the Premier League, they will still go to Europa League. But Solskjaer’s men would hope for Manchester City to win to prevent another nightmarish situation.
Why should Man City win?
Manchester City lifted the Carabao Cup in February as the side defeated Chelsea on penalties. A win in the Carabao Cup guarantees a Europa League second-round qualification place for the next season.
However, Guardiola’s side has already qualified for the Champions League. And according to rules, in such a scenario, the Carabao Cup qualification place would be awarded to the next highest ranked team in the Premier League.
And that team is Manchester United.
However, United could avoid playing in the qualification round of the Europa League if Manchester City also lifts the FA Cup.
The FA Cup winner is awarded a place in the group stages of the Europa League, and so, the same rule will apply in this scenario as well. The next highest-ranked team in the Premier League, i.e. Manchester United will be awarded a place in the group stage if City wins the FA Cup.
The second qualifying round of the Europa League will clash with Manchester United’s pre-season tour. And so, Solskjaer and his team would certainly be hoping to avoid that situation.
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What next?
Manchester United will return to action in the Premier League this weekend as the side takes on Huddersfield.
