What Man United and Tottenham Europa League win means for Newcastle United's Champions League hopes

Manchester United or Tottenham winning the Europa League would ensure that six Premier League clubs qualify for next season's Champions League.

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that the Premier League would be guaranteed five places in Europe's top-tier club competition in 2025/26 as a result of the UEFA coefficient.

An extra Champions League spot was secured after Arsenal's win over Real Madrid, which means a top-five finish in the Premier League will ensure qualification.

There has been a growing fear that Man United or Tottenham - who sit 15th and 14th in the Premier League - winning the Europa League could steal one of those Champions League places.

However, Man United or Tottenham going all the way and winning the Europa League won't have any impact on the Premier League top five getting qualification for the Champions League.

It means that Newcastle United can still guarantee a Champions League spot if they finish in the top five, no matter whether the Reds or Spurs win the Europa League.

There is a realistic chance now that six Premier League teams - and a slim chance that seven - could be in next season's Champions League.

If Man United or Tottenham win the Europa League and somehow Arsenal finish outside the top seven, but go on to win the Champions League, then that would mean seven Premier League teams qualify for Europe's elite competition.

However, with Arsenal firmly inside the Premier League's top five and boasting some favourable fixtures between now and the end of the season, that is an unlikely possibility.

Newcastle now need to finish in the top five to secure a Champions League spot - and they do not need to be concerned about how Man United and Tottenham are getting on in Europe.

No matter what happens to Newcastle between now and the end of the season, they've guaranteed themselves European football following their Carabao Cup triumph via the Conference League. However, all eyes are on the more prestigious Champions League, with a sixth placed finish likely meaning Europa League football for the Magpies.

However, the Toon are on a roll right now, having won five straight Premier League matches, and are in a strong position to finish in the Champions League places.

Next up for Eddie Howe's side is a trip to fellow Champions League chasing Aston Villa on Saturday. Speaking ahead of the game, Jason Tindall said: Every time we've been to Villa Park the atmosphere has been very, very good.

"There's similarities to St James' Park. We have to deal with the crowd, just as teams do at St James'. But we're in a good moment and delivering good performances. Now we need to be consistent."

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