Manchester United has been struggling in all competitions this season, crashing out cheaply in both the Carabao Cup and the UCL group stages. Newcastle, on the other hand, have been fair enough in all competitions, but they could not withstand the ferocious pressure of UCL group F.
Both teams have crashed out in the group stages after recording only one win throughout their 6 fixtures and now their dismal performances may further impact the Premier League in general as the UCL experiences significant changes in the 2024–25 season.
How will Man Utd and Newcastle’s departures effect PL teams in next year’s UCL?
Starting next season, the European competition format will transition to a Swiss League system in the UCL, marking the end of the traditional group stage that has been prevalent over the years. Instead of eight pools featuring four teams each, the new format will involve 36 teams, with four additional teams being drawn against eight opponents. The teams will play four matches at home and four away.
Among the four teams mentioned, two will be allocated to the leagues that achieve the highest positions in the coefficient tables. These tables are determined by evaluating the performance of teams in European competitions. Unfortunately, Manchester United have not fared very well in the current UCL season.
England were third in the table after Manchester United crashed out in the group stages. However, hopes were cast on Newcastle to improve the situation but they also did not make it past the group stages.
The Premier League is trying to secure a fifth place, but unfortunately, this aspiration for securing a fifth Champions League spot are in jeopardy following the eliminations of Manchester United and Newcastle from European competition.
Major changes in next year’s UCL
The upcoming 2024–05 UCL season will mark the final iteration of the current format, which features 32 teams competing in the group phase, divided into eight groups of four, and allowing the top two teams from each group to progress. Substantial changes are set to be implemented for the 2024–25 season.
The new UEFA Champions League format will see the participation of 36 teams instead of 32 teams in the competition. Two of the four extra spots will now be assigned to countries whose clubs have performed the best in their respective previous campaigns.
Now, instead of six matches played in group stages, all participating teams will now play a total of eight matches, with four home ties and four away.
All 36 participating teams will be ranked in a unified league table system. Teams will earn three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss.
The top eight teams in this ranking will advance directly to the knockout stages, while teams placed from ninth to 24th will compete in two-legged play-offs to secure spots in the last 16.
Is the new UCL format better than the former?. Let us hear your thoughts in the comment section.
