MAN UNITED DROP INTO EUROPA LEAGUE

Premier League giants Manchester United will continue their European campaign in the UEFA Europa League this season after failing to qualify for the Champions League knockout stage from their group. The Red Devils were in a good position to secure a spot in the last 16 of Europe’s premier club competitions at the start of their campaign in Group H only for a poor run to deny the former European champions. Three defeats in their final four Group H games ensured that they won’t qualify for the knockout stage.

Manchester United started their UEFA Champions League campaign this season with two consecutive wins over French giants Paris Saint Germain (PSG) away from home and RB Leipzig at home. The Red Devils went on a run of two defeats in the next three games in Group H and were still in contention to qualify for the round of 16 despite the poor run.

Ahead of the final Group H game at RB Leipzig on Tuesday night, Manchester United needed just a draw to seal their place in the Champions League but they were unable to get that draw. The Red Devils were on the end of a 3-2 loss to their hosts at the end of the game. The result ensured that Manchester United failed to finish in the top two spots that would have guaranteed a place in the next round. The Red Devils are condemned to finish third in their group behind both RB Leipzig and PSG who are both through to the last 16 of the competition. The other Group H game between PSG and InstabulBasaksehir was abandoned due to racism accusations levelled against one of the officials. The outcome of that game will determine who will win Group H between PSG and RB Leipzig. PSG need a win to win the group.

Manchester United finished in third position and have dropped down into the Europa League at the last 32 stage, while Istanbul Basaksehirare out of Europe after they finished at the bottom of Group H.