A final decision on the takeover at Manchester United is reportedly set to be delivered later this week.
26.05.2023 - 09:25 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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.
ALSO READ: 'It is serious' - Manchester United give Antony injury update
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
A final decision on the takeover at Manchester United is reportedly set to be delivered later this week.
Jack Butland thinks Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes are the strongest finishers in front of goal at Manchester United.
Jack Grealish had got the celebrations started in the dressing room at the Ataturk Stadium, and Kyle Walker had promised to demolish any drink put in front of him - with a pre-emptive apology to England boss Gareth Southgate.
Former Manchester United loanee Odion Ighalo has been named in the Saudi Pro-League team of the season ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who misses out entirely.
After announcing his retirement on Sunday evening, millions of people have spent the last few days reminiscing about Zlatan Ibrahimovic's career.
Here are your Man United morning headlines on Tuesday, June 7
Casemiro has taken to Instagram to thank Manchester United's fans for the support he has been shown during his first season at the club, adding that 'the glory days must return' to Old Trafford.
Ally McCoist believes Declan Rice should snub Manchester United's advances and favour a move to Arsenal instead.
Former captain Roy Keane insisted the officials were right to award Manchester United a first half penalty in Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane admits that he is "worried" for his old club ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley - but believes Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will cause them problems.
Erik ten Hag made five permanent Manchester United summer signings, with Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Antony and Lisandro Martinez all putting pen to paper in his first window.
England boss Sarina Wiegman has released her 23-player squad selection ahead for the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this coming summer.
Erik ten Hag has told his Manchester United players to "give everything in their power" to win the FA Cup next weekend and warned them you never know whether it might be your last final.
Henning Berg raised the question of the ongoing up-in-the-air nature of Manchester United's ownership having an impact on the club's transfer business this summer.
Prime Video is training for 99, a documentary series about Manchester United’s historic treble-winning season in the later 1990s.
Here are your Monday morning Manchester United headlines.
Manchester United players have praised David de Gea after he was confirmed as the Premier League Golden Glove winner.
Ex-Manchester United defender Paul Parker feels his old club can push on next season, but that off-the-field matters need to be sorted as soon as possible.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes 'four or five' members of his squad could win the club's Player of the Year award this season.
Harry Maguire was among the Manchester United players to bid Phil Jones farewell following his Old Trafford exit.