Manchester United need to rely on Man City and Arsenal for Champions League lifeline

There's a certain irony to Manchester United now being able to focus on qualifying for next year's Champions League, given their woeful performance in this season's edition could see their chances reduced.

United's elimination from Europe's flagship competition was confirmed with a 1-0 defeat at home to Bayern Munich and a damp performance befitting of their continental efforts throughout. In reality, Erik ten Hag's side faced an uphill battle after losing their opening two games for the first time ever.

Victory at home to FC Copenhagen brought hope but proved an isolated incident - they picked up one point from their final three matches. United became the first Premier League team to concede 15 goals in the group stage. Another unwanted record broken.

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That they finished bottom of Group A has been seen as a blessing among some supporters. Third-place would have meant Thursday night Europa League action but complete elimination from European football sets the blinkers on qualifying for next season's refreshed version of the top-tier tournament.

Among many other changes to the Champions League from 2024/2025 onwards - the removal of groups for one table, the confusing 'Swiss style' system - UEFA's decision to increase the number of teams from 32 to 36 was the least radical. Two of those four extra spots will go to the top five European leagues and the Premier League was long considered a favourite for an extra space.

Much of the early-season narrative has been about teams aiming for the top-five, such was the assumption that Europe's best league would get an extra seat at the continent's top table. But