Arsene Wenger (foto: Getty Images)
Arsene Wenger criticizes Manchester United’s possible Champions League qualification via Europa League win, calling it unfair for a 15th-placed team to enter Europe’s top competition.
Manchester United are one step away from the Europa League final, but legendary manager Arsene Wenger has questioned their right to play in next season’s Champions League.
The Red Devils, currently sitting 15th in the Premier League, secured a 3-0 away victory against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final first leg. Now they only need to complete the job at Old Trafford to reach the final, where they could meet Tottenham, also struggling in 16th place domestically after beating Bodo/Glimt 3-1.
With both sides enduring disastrous league campaigns, victory in the Europa League would grant them a Champions League spot next season. Wenger believes this scenario undermines the competition’s fairness.
“It’s not fair. They should get a place in the Europa League, not the Champions League. Why? Because the Premier League already has five clubs in the competition. It’s something UEFA has to think about and consider what they allow,” Wenger told beIN Sports.
The Frenchman, who managed Arsenal for 22 years and won the league title in 2004, argued that granting a Champions League berth to a team finishing 15th domestically sends the wrong message.
“On the other hand, people will tell you that the Europa League has to stay interesting and be a motivating competition, and that it is a prize that has to be awarded,” Wenger added.
For Manchester United and Tottenham, winning the Europa League could salvage their seasons both financially and reputationally. Qualification for Europe’s elite competition would bring much-needed revenue and prestige, despite historic lows in the league. United’s worst Premier League finish was eighth last season, while Spurs are on track for their worst-ever placing.
Wenger, who retired from management in 2018, currently serves as FIFA’s head of global football development. His comments reignite debate over whether European trophies should override domestic performance in determining Champions League participants.