What must Manchester United do to qualify for the Europa Conference League?

Manchester United can still qualify for Europe with just one Premier League game from the 2023/24 season.

United closed the gap on seventh-placed Newcastle United with a 3-2 win over Eddie Howe’s side on Wednesday thanks to goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad and Rasmus Hojlund. They head to the south coast to face Brighton today, while Newcastle take on Brentford.

The four places in the Champions League have already been confirmed, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa occupying the top four positions in the league. United are fighting for a place in the Europa Conference League – although they will qualify for the Europa League with an FA Cup final win against City.

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Seventh place will earn them a place in the Europa Conference League. If Newcastle and Chelsea lose on the final day, United could mathematically finish as high as sixth, although that is virtually impossible given the goal difference.

With seventh place more realistic for United, they will need to improve on Newcastle’s result on the final day. Defeat on the south coast would cost them seventh place and miss out on Europe if they lose in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

If Newcastle lose to Brentford, a point against the Seagulls would be enough for United to secure seventh place. If the Magpies and Brentford draw, United will need the three points against Brighton.

Asked if United can still qualify for Europe, Ten Hag said: “Of course it’s important, but we have two opportunities. There is one in the league and one in the FA Cup final and it will have an impact on the budget.

“We know we’re still below Manchester United’s expectations, so we have to catch up.”