Premier League Giants Manchester United and Tottenham Continue to Struggle; Europa League Champion Could Set Record for Lowest Domestic League Ranking

In the early hours of May 17, during the 37th round of the 2024/25 Premier League season, two key matches took place. Both finalists of this season’s Europa League, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, suffered defeats, maintaining their 16th and 17th positions respectively, continuing their struggles in the league. With only five days left until the Europa League final, it suggests the possibility of the lowest-ranked champion in the competition’s history.

Manchester United’s last Premier League victory dates back to March 17, round 29, when they won 3-0 away against newly promoted Southampton. However, in the following seven league matches, Manchester United managed only 2 draws and 5 losses without a win. In their recent away match at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, despite fielding most of their main squad, their performance appeared distracted. In the 72nd minute, Chelsea’s two fullbacks combined with Reece James assisting Cucurella to score a header—the only goal of the match. Manchester United had 53% possession but managed only 4 shots with 1 on target, showing a lackluster offense. Chelsea had 11 shots with 3 on target, a more effective performance that justified their victory.

Tottenham’s opponent this round was Aston Villa, a team aiming for a top-five finish in the Premier League. Compared to Manchester United, Tottenham’s performance was even poorer, with only 31% possession and just 3 shots with 1 on target. Villa dominated the home game with 18 shots and 7 on target. Consa and Kamara each scored in the second half, helping Villa secure a 2-0 home win.

After these matches, Manchester United and Tottenham remain at 16th and 17th respectively. Manchester United’s recent form in the last 8 rounds is 2 draws and 6 losses; Tottenham’s is 2 draws and 5 losses. Over the entire season, Manchester United has lost 18 matches, and Tottenham a staggering 21. With only one round remaining in the Premier League, the highest possible league finish for both teams is 13th. This means these two English giants may set the record for the lowest domestic league ranking for a Europa League champion or finalist.

Since the 2009/10 Europa League reform, the lowest domestic league ranking for a finalist or champion is 12th. In the 2022/23 season, Sevilla won the Europa League while finishing 11th in La Liga. In the first reform season, Fulham reached the Europa League final but lost 1-2 to Atletico Madrid, finishing 12th in the Premier League.

The poor league performances of Manchester United and Tottenham have drawn criticism from many football legends. Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told beIN Sports that the Europa League champion should be granted automatic Europa League qualification rather than relying on league standings, especially since the Premier League already has five teams qualifying for the Champions League. UEFA needs to reconsider this. Former Premier League stars Richards and Shearer bluntly stated that it would be shocking if these two teams, given their poor league form, qualified for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.