Ex-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not believe that clubs should automatically qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.

Manchester United and Tottenham could potentially face other in the final, with a place in Europe’s premier competition up for grabs, and when asked by BeIN Sports whether it is right that such a route for qualification is available, Wenger replied:

“No – they should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League.”

“Especially when you’re in the Premier League, where already five teams qualify. I think it’s something (for UEFA) to think about and to review.”

There could be 6 English clubs in next season’s Champions League

England has already secured five automatic spots for the league phase in 2025/26 – that is due to the country’s performances in Europe this campaign.

Ironically, Man United and Spurs have actually played a role in that, with their respective runs to the Europa League semi-finals increasing England’s UEFA Coefficient ranking.

Ruben Amorim’s side are unbeaten in the competition. They are the only team that haven’t lost in Europe this season, which is quite incredible considering how poor they have been domestically.

Qualification could prove huge for Man United in the summer market

The Red Devils are right up against it in terms of complying with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules. However, the additional prize money that the club would receive from the Champions League would give them greater room for manoeuvre.

It would enable Man United to spend more liberally in the transfer market, speeding up the revamp of the squad, whilst also attracting a higher calibre of player to Old Trafford in the process. A lot rides on the result on Thursday night.

Who will be in the starting lineup for the second leg against Athletic Bilbao? See our Man United predicted XI here