Manchester United fans. Here we are, on the last day of the Premier League season. It’s been a bumpy ride, to say the least.
It wasn’t the Premier League campaign that many fans would have anticipated at the beginning of the season. After Erik ten Hag’s mightily successful inaugural campaign as Manchester United boss, the expectation was high heading into the 23/24 campaign.
What have we been met with? All in all, major disappointment. Aside from an FA Cup Final against Manchester City to look forward to, this season looks to be a bit of a paper, particularly in the league side of things.
But, we still have one more game to go. Manchester United take on Brighton & Hove Albion – and still can obtain European football this season, in multiple ways.
So, with this – here is Manchester United’s final day, explored with the worst and best-case scenarios possible.
Best case scenario for Manchester United in the Premier League
The best-case scenario is that, in theory, Manchester United obtain Europa Conference League football and finish in 7th place.
How can that happen?
If Newcastle lose or draw to Brentford, and United win or draw against Brighton – the Red Devils will obtain that sixth spot.
A draw apiece from both sides would not be enough for the Red Devils, with the Magpies on a far superior goal difference.
Theoretically, Manchester United could still finish 6th, that is if Chelsea lose and Manchester United claw back a goal difference of +16, which let’s be honest – won’t happen.
Worst case scenario for Manchester United in the Premier League
The worst-case scenario is that Manchester United finish 8th and do not obtain any European football whatsoever.
How can that happen?
If the Seagulls beat United, this is the fate for Erik ten Hag’s men no matter what. A draw could be enough, but they’d have to hope Newcastle lose.
This would then be Manchester United’s worst finish in a Premier League season ever. Alas, there is hope for European football, even if United were to finish 8th.
The FA Cup catch
Manchester United are six points behind Spurs so cannot qualify for the Europa League through the league – but they could still enter the competition via the FA Cup.
The winner of the FA Cup automatically heads straight through to the qualification stages of the tournament that Jose Mourinho conquered with United back in 2017.
Let’s hope this comes to fruition, and we don’t see a repeat of last year’s fixture where Ilkay Gundogan walked all over Manchester United’s first-team squad.
