How Manchester United Can Still Qualify for Europe Despite Arsenal Defeat

How Manchester United Can Still Qualify for Europe Despite Arsenal Defeat

Isaac Darko
updated at May 13, 2024 at 6:25 AM
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  • Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Premier League chasers Arsenal
  • Leandro Trossard's goal was enough to hand the three points to the Gunners
  • Man United's European hopes dim after Arsenal loss, but there's still a chance

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Manchester United endured their second consecutive Premier League defeat, falling disappointingly 1-0 to Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils began the match with promise but conceded in the 20th minute when Ben White seized on a miscued kick from Andre Onana, locating Kai Havertz on the right wing.

Erik ten Hag applauds the Manchester United fans at full time during the Premier League match against Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on May 12, 2024
Erik ten Hag applauds the Manchester United fans at full time during the Premier League match against Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on May 12, 2024. Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt.
Source: Getty Images

Trossard seized the moment, darting behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka before slotting past Onana from close quarters to secure a vital lead for the visiting team, per Yahoo Sports.

The visitors remained resilient, securing maximum points at Old Trafford, propelling them to a one-point lead over Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League table as they head into the season's final week.

This outcome also sees Erik ten Hag's men now positioned in 8th place.

If they finish in eighth place by the end of the season, the Red Devils would miss out on European football next season. However, they still have two remaining matches to play.

How can United qualify for Europe?

If United triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, they'll clinch a Europa League spot outright.

However, if the Red Devils fall short of victory, they'll have to depend on their league standing to qualify for European competition.

With three points less than Newcastle United and Chelsea, the two teams directly above them, Manchester United still have a chance to secure European football.

To do so, Erik ten Hag's men must win against Newcastle United and Brighton in their last two matches of the season, totaling 60 points.

They would also need Chelsea to lose points in their final two games and Newcastle United to lose to them and then drop points in their last game, per Tribuna.

Given that United's goal difference of -4 is significantly lower than that of the other two teams, they cannot depend on this factor to gain an advantage over Chelsea or Newcastle.

United fans slam Casemiro after Arsenal loss

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Manchester United fans have singled Casemiro for blame following their Premier League defeat against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian was largely responsible for the goal as he ambled up the pitch to play Kai Havertz onside when the ball dropped to him down the right.

The ex-Real Madrid midfielder's role in the goal has seen him come under scrutiny once again, with a section of fans blaming him for the Old Trafford result.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)