Up to 7 Premier League teams could qualify for Champions League under new format - explained

Manchester United are in the running to secure a Champions League spot next season after missing out last year.

This will be Erik ten Hag's first time in the elite competition as Man United boss - and it'll be the last time we see a familiar format.

From 2024/25, several key changes will be introduced. A summary of those new rules is listed below:

- A single 36-team league will replace eight groups.

- Each team will play eight games, all against different opponents. That's a move away from six games against three opponents at the group stage in the current format.

- Here's an example of what the schedule could look like for Man United under the new format: Real Madrid (a), AC Milan (h), Paris Saint-Germain (a), Chelsea (h), Bayern Munich (a), Benfica (h), Real Sociedad (a), Ajax (h).

- The final standings will determine who makes it into the playoffs. Eight best teams qualify directly, teams placed 9-24 play a two-legged playoff for a Round of 16 spot, teams placed 25-36 are eliminated.

- Knockout stages remain unchanged.

- Teams who are knocked out of the Champions League will no longer drop down to the Europa League; if they are out, they are out.

- The five-year historical coefficient system is scrapped. Now countries with the best collective performance in Europe will be awarded an extra spot in the next year's edition.

- If the above rule is implemented this season, England and Italy would receive an extra spot each because teams from these countries have outperformed other nations.

- Since the number of competitors has increased from 32 to 36, there are four more spots to give away. Thanks to England's sheer dominance over the recent years, the Premier League is almost certain to get an extra spot.

- The second extra spot will go to either Spain, Germany or Italy, depending on the collective performance of teams from those nations.

- Effectively, a race for the top 4 will become a race for the top 5 in England.

- In exceptional circumstances, England could receive a maximum of seven Champions League spots: five spots by default and two more for Champions League and Europa League winners if they finish outside the top 5 in the Premier League. Although unlikely, it's still technically possible.