(Reuters) - The Europa League offers Manchester United a great alternative route into next season's Champions League as they battle for a top four slot in the Premier League, former manager Alex Ferguson has said. A top four Premier League place is needed for access to the Champions League but United are currently only fifth, four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool albeit with two games in hand. However, United can also guarantee a place in next season's Champions League by winning the Europa League. "In the Premier League at the moment, there is a real fight for the positions... They missed out on the Champions League this season and another absence would be costly in terms of lost revenue.

Source: Economic Times March 28, 2017 14:15 UTC