UEFA confirm 2025/26 blow for Manchester United

Manchester United have been limited during this season, with no UEFA competitions and early cup exits plaguing their campaign as it approaches its closing months.

The Red Devils, who finished 15th in the Premier League last season, had come into this season with increased optimism with new signings such as Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha helping to boost the team’s attacking frontline.

However, an opening day defeat to Arsenal, alongside a humiliating loss against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, set a tone for the campaign.

Further defeats to Manchester City and Brentford did not help to improve the mood, and following a draw against Leeds United in early January, Ruben Amorim departed the club.

But, with Michael Carrick at the helm, the club have undergone a period of good form with six wins in eight games helping the team on their way to the top four of the Premier League.

Although, even with this, the club have now been hit with a blow by UEFA with Manchester United’s men’s team dropping in the UEFA club rankings from 19th to 20th with FC Porto overtaking them.

Due to the side not taking part in any European competitions at all following defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in last season’s Europa League final, they have not received any points on the UEFA coefficient table.

Furthermore, as a result of Porto making the Round of 16 stage of the Europa League, they have gained enough coefficient points to climb above Manchester United.

For the men’s first-team, this marks a minor blow in pursuit of prolonged success on the European club stage.

However, with qualification for a European tournament, United could fight their way back up the table and above clubs such as Porto once again.