In a potential twist that would rewrite Premier League history, England could send six teams to the UEFA Champions League next season — but it hinges on one key event: Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United meeting in the Europa League final.
This scenario, while rare, is now within reach. If both teams advance to the final of the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League and one of them wins it while finishing outside the Premier League’s top four, England would activate UEFA’s rule allowing an additional Champions League spot for the Europa League winner.
Why This Matters
Traditionally, the Premier League is allocated four automatic Champions League places, awarded to the teams that finish in the top four. However, a fifth spot can be added if a Premier League team wins the Europa League. In this hypothetical:
- Tottenham and Manchester United reach the Europa League final.
- One (or both) finish outside the top four.
- Whoever wins secures a Champions League place via Europa League victory.
- Combined with the top four, this leads to six English teams in Europe’s top competition — a first in history.
Historical Context
No Premier League season has ever ended with six clubs in the Champions League. The closest came in rare five-team qualifications, such as:
- 2015–16, when Manchester United qualified as Europa League winners.
- 2021–22, when five English teams played due to Chelsea winning the Champions League.
What’s at Stake
For Tottenham and Manchester United — both outside the top four at various points this season — the Europa League may be their fastest route to Champions League football. It also presents a high-stakes opportunity for English football as a whole, potentially expanding its footprint even further in Europe.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether this historic outcome becomes a reality — and whether the Premier League makes history by sending six of its giants into Europe’s elite next season.