Manchester United handed Champions League blow after European setback

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their hopes of Champions League qualification after a setback for English clubs in Europe.

Liverpool were the only winners in their Europa League round of 16 match, with a 5-1 victory over Sparta Prague. However, West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion both suffered defeats, making it a tough night for Premier League sides on Thursday.

SC Freiburg scored in the 81st minute from Michael Gregoritsch to get revenge on West Ham in their first-leg, after the London side had beaten the Bundesliga club twice in the group stage. United-linked Roberto De Zerbi's return to Italy was not a happy one as Brighton lost 4-0 to last year's Europa League finalists Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

READ MORE: It is time for United to restore Ferguson's ruthless rule

READ MORE: The 21 United players who could leave this summer

From the 2024/25 season, the Champions League will grow its group stages from 32 teams to 36 teams, after a format change from UEFA. It could mean England get an extra place in the competition, with two of the extra spots going to the countries that rank highest in UEFA's coefficient ranking.

This ranking is based on how each team from the participating nations does in the three UEFA competitions; the Champions League, the Europa League and the Europa Conference League. Before the round of 16 first-leg matches, both Spain and England were set to get the extra qualifying positions ahead of Italy and Germany - but the rankings updated on Friday could change this, reports football.london.

Liverpool put five past Prague, with Darwin Nunez scoring twice. Mohamed Salah, returning from injury ahead of Sunday's title race showdown against Manchester City, had a goal disallowed