Kieran Maguire: Man United fans could end up supporting Man City due to Champions League ‘paradox’
Man United may have to rely on Man City to secure England a fifth qualification spot for the Champions League.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that there will be some ‘twitchiness’ about England’s chances of securing a fifth qualifying spot.
The Premier League could be granted a fifth qualifying spot based on the performance of English teams in Europe this season.
However, Manchester United face elimination from the Champions League with one group game remaining, while Newcastle United also sit third in their group.
As reported by The Times, the poor form of English teams in Europe has put the fifth qualifying spot in danger.
The Champions League is changing format to the Swiss-style format next year, increasing the number of teams to 36.
Maguire believes United fans may end up supporting City’s progress in Europe in order to secure the fifth qualifying spot.
“If Manchester United fail to qualify for the knockout phase of the Champions League there will be a lot of twitchiness when it comes to the potential fifth qualification spot,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“We could have a paradox of United fans wanting Manchester City to do well in the competition as it could secure the fifth Champions League qualifying spot.
“I think it’s fair to rule United out of competing for the Premier League title this season so they will be trying to win that final match against Bayern Munich.
“They will not enjoy the threat of dropping into the Europa League for the remainder of the season.
“Although, it could end up being a spectacular competition with Liverpool potentially being joined by Man United and Newcastle in that tournament.
“Those fixtures will always ensure a sell-out at Old Trafford.“
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