Manchester United Europa League and Conference League reality explained after Spurs loss

Manchester United watched on as rivals Manchester City edged towards yet another title on Tuesday while they face a very different challenge ahead of them.

Tottenham's defeat to the champions does not impact United's chances of European football given they could not be caught in fifth. However, they could secure Europa League football depending how they fare in their final two matches.

Conversely, United might miss out on European football for the first time in a decade if they lose to Newcastle on Wednesday and Brighton on Sunday. Erik ten Hag is fighting for his job at Old Trafford and two more defeats and no European football would surely be ominous for the Dutchman.

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Here are the permutations for European qualification to either the Europa League or Europa Conference League.

In order for United to finish sixth, they must earn at least four points from their remaining couple of games. If they win one and draw the other, they can finish sixth should Newcastle (in sixth) and Chelsea (in seventh) lose both of their remaining fixtures.

Also, if United win both of their final games and Chelsea and Newcatsle only manage to pick up two points in theirs, United will secure sixth spot and be guaranteed Europa League football.

If United are to try and earn a top seven spot, then they must tally at least four points and hope Chelsea lose both of their matches. If United win both of their games and Newcastle beat Brentford on the final day, then seventh will be locked in should Chelsea only amass two points.

In simple terms, if United fail to win either of their