Will Tottenham or Manchester United have to go through Champions League qualifying?

Evening Standard

·19 maggio 2025

Will Tottenham or Manchester United have to go through Champions League qualifying?

There will be six Premier League clubs in the Champions League next season

Under pressure: Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim have both faced criticism this season

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Tottenham and Manchester United go toe-to-toe in a hugely-anticipated Europa League final on Wednesday night.

With Spurs sitting 17th in the Premier League table and United only one place above, it has been a dreadful season for both clubs, and yet there is one final chance for them to end it on a high.

A European trophy and Champions League qualification is on the line in Bilbao, arguably more than either deserve for what they have produced for the majority of the campaign.

Spurs, though, were impressive in coming through their semi-final tie against Bodo/Glimt and can deliver on Ange Postecoglou’s statement earlier in the season that he always wins a trophy in his second year at a club.

Ruben Amorim has cut a more downbeat figure when discussing his side’s struggles, stating ahead of the semi-final win over Athletic Bilbao that “nothing is going to save our season”.

Will Tottenham or Man United have to qualify for Champions League?

The winner of Wednesday night’s final will become the latest Premier League side to book their place in next season’s Champions League.

Liverpool and Arsenal have already done so after wrapping up a top-five finish, and they will be joined by three of Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.

There will therefore be six Premier League clubs in the competition next season, as a result of the rule that the Europa League winners earn a place in the top tier of European competition.

Tottenham or Man United will not have to go through Champions League qualifying either, earning an automatic place in the league phase of the competition.