Kai Havertz's late winner against Sporting in their Champions League quarter-final first leg has ensured English football's top flight will once again have five clubs qualifying automatically for the competition. ‌England now hold an unassailable lead in UEFA's coefficient rankings, which automatically secures them an additional qualifying spot for the Champions League. ‌United are currently in third place, on 55 points from 31 games, seven points clear of Chelsea in sixth. Five victories from those remaining fixtures would be enough to secure a return to Champions League football. United travel to Chelsea on Saturday, April 18 before welcoming fellow Champions League contenders Liverpool on Sunday, May 3.

Source: Daily Mirror April 08, 2026 09:49 UTC