Manchester United's European Super League stance sets Erik ten Hag a challenge

If you were to form a European Super League just now, Manchester United wouldn't be guaranteed a spot.

Seventh place in the Premier League and 10 years without lifting the title isn't particularly 'super' - even if United's rich history, impressive trophy haul and off-field pulling power means they remain a leading light in world football. The initial Super League proposal collapsed amid fan protests with Reds supporters among the most vocal. Two-and-a-half years later, it's back on the table albeit in a different guise and seemingly without the level of support it once had.

United, along with other leading English clubs, signed up to the 2021 original proposal before pulling out amid the backlash. But they have already made it clear they won't be joining up this time around.

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"Our position has not changed," said United in a statement on Thursday. "We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game."

That sets out the United stance and any potential Super League would still need the support of UEFA to have any chance of getting off the ground - meaning that while the court ruling on Thursday makes a continental revamp possible, at this juncture it seems improbable. That will please the match-going supporters and those keen to preserve football's traditions.

Whether those behind the scenes and at the top level of some of Europe's bigger clubs might actually welcome the shot in the arm a revamped, expanded Super League offers is impossible to tell. United