What latest UEFA coefficient rankings mean for Manchester United in Champions League race

Manchester United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season are almost over after another bad night for English clubs in Europe.

UEFA will be expanding the Champions League next season meaning two extra spots will be given to the countries whose clubs perform best in Europe this season. This shall be worked out by UEFA's coefficient rankings which maps how each nation's clubs do in not only the Champions League but also the Europa League and Europa Conference League.

Italy managed to secure the first extra spot this week as they lead the rankings with a score of 19.428. The second spot shall either be awarded to Germany or England but it is the Bundesliga in prime position to get the extra spot.

READ MORE: United receive significant FFP windfall

READ MORE: United's dream squad for next season

Thanks to Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich progressing in the Champions League, they were already in a strong position but Bayer Leverkusen progressing in the Europa League against West Ham has increased their chances further with their score sitting at 17.928. Germany now needs two more wins from their clubs in Europe or a win and two draws to be guaranteed the extra spot in the Champions League.

As for England, their hopes rest entirely on Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League after they progressed on penalties vs Lille. The Premier League's score is currently 17.375 and while it is close, the potential for Germany to gain more points is far greater than England.

United are currently ten points behind fifth-placed Tottenham in the Premier League table so reaching that potential Champions League spot was already slim. However, after this week's results, it now looks unlikely that spot will be enough