A proposed UEFA rule could see Manchester United qualify for Champions League more easily

A report by The Telegraph (subscription required) (h/t Manchester Evening News) states that a new UEFA rule could mean that a club, such as Manchester United, can qualify for the Champions League on the basis of their UEFA co-efficient despite not finishing in the top 4.

The UEFA coefficient is an indicator of a club’s performance in Europe in the past few years. Currently, United have the 9th-best UEFA co-efficient due to their impressive performances in Europe in the past 5 years.

The proposed UEFA rulings can also see 6 English clubs qualify for the Champions League. Under this, 7 European places would be accorded to the Premier League.

Out of this, four would be for the Champions League, two for Europa League, and one for the newly-formed Conference League. But a club finishing between 5th and 7th could be promoted to the Champions League.

Good news for United

This would apply only if the clubs have a strong UEFA co-efficient. In such an instance, up to 6 English clubs could feature in UEFA’s premier club competition from 2024, with the 7th team being in the Europa League.

Vacated spots in other competitions would be filled up with teams from other leagues, and not from the Premier League.

This news comes along with UEFA’s plan to introduce a new UEFA Conference League in the future. This would be UEFA’s third-tier European competition and would be below the Europa League.

On top of that, the number of teams in the Champions League would be increased to 36. These rules, however, are only in the phase of discussion. (h/t Manchester Evening News)

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No decision has been taken over these proposals. However, it would be in the Red Devils interest if such a ruling comes into place.