Manchester United could face off against Chelsea in a UCL qualification playoff
According to the Daily Star, Manchester United could face off against Chelsea in a winner takes all tie for Champions League qualification.
With the football season currently suspended, there is a lack of clarity as to the deciding the teams that may finish in the European slots and relegation places.
The race for fourth is one of extreme importance, given the financial rewards of playing in the Champions League.
The Red Devils are just three points off Chelsea who are in fourth spot. With nine more games to go, we are well within our means of usurping the Stamford Bridge outfit.
UEFA held an executive committee meeting by video conference call with all 55 member associations. The agenda was to formulate a plan to get the current campaign finished in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
They revealed that they would prefer it if the competitions restarted in a different format which would still ensure sporting merit wins out. They also suggested that leagues initially scheduled to start in June must finish no later than August 3. If not, then UEFA will suggest play-offs to finalize standings.
Leagues that are unable to bring about a return to action will be advised to host one-off play-off games to determine key positions in the table. Such a decision is directly set to impact us.
United favourites but the tie is hard to call!
United have already beaten Chelsea thrice this season, one in the FA Cup and twice in the league. We will also be strengthened by the return of Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford by the time the season resumes.
Although a one-off makes logical sense and does have an inking of meritocracy being applied, the unpredictability of such match-ups makes the result a surprise.
United will have to be at their best to ensure that all the promise shown this season does not go to waste. A return to the UCL will prove a much-added boost to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United rebuild.
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United are also almost through to the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals. A victory in the competition will ensure United qualify directly for the group stages of the Champions League next season.
