The Champions League has an entirely new format, providing they get there, here is why it is actually a good thing for Manchester United.
The Champions League, the Europa League and the Europa Conference League are all changing. For the better? Potentially for Manchester United.
The Champions League and the Europa League competitions will work in the same way, meaning whichever knockout tournament the Red Devils find themselves in – they’ll need to get familiar with the new format. The Europa Conference League does work a tad differently, but hopefully, Erik ten Hag‘s men won’t have to worry about that.
Here’s why the new UEFA competition format is actually a good thing for United.
More ways for Manchester United to qualify for the knockouts
It’s safe to say Manchester United were actually abysmal in the 23/24 Champions League group stages. They shipped a record 15 goals in the group stages, the worst in the club’s history.
However, despite shipping a ludicrous amount – they also scored a lot, which will greatly benefit them in later competitions.
Goal difference will be a factor, not just results. Erik ten Hag could have definitely done with this in this season’s campaign.
Champions League money, money, money for Manchester United…
A small win, but more games, ultimately means more money for United.
The fact United will be playing an extra two games in the group stages, guaranteed, means they’ll have a little more cash in the pocket of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co to spend in the transfer market for his upcoming revamp.
It also means more money in the pockets of UEFA… wonder why they were all for it.
An extra chance in the Premier League
The new format means that more teams are in Europe, hence meaning some leagues will have more teams allowed to qualify.
Given the fact the competition now has an expanded 36 participating teams in an all-new format, this also allows for an additional place to be allocated to two countries.
The Premier League are still in pole position to claim one of these spots, meaning Manchester United could finish 5th and still play Champions League football.
Manchester United fans benefit from more Champions League games
Football is for the fans, after all. This change does mean United will be available to watch more frequently, against a wider variety of opposition. It also gives match-going fans more chance of tickets, home and away.
Naturally, the counterargument with this is the fact United plays too many games anyway, but this may kick the owners into gear when recruiting a wider squad in the summer.
UEFA themselves believe there are three positives for fans by creating these changes:
- More teams will compete in Europe
- There will be a greater competitive balance in the competitions
- Every game shall count until the final matchday
Whether these come to fruition, will remain to be seen next season.