Manchester United are in dire need of a spot at Europe's top table, the Champions League, more than any other Premier League side. The Red Devils were a constant presence in the competition under Sir Alex Ferguson but have failed to reach those same heights since his departure.

However, securing a place back in the competition would be a significant boost ahead of a potential summer overhaul under current manager Ruben Amorim.

United have made it to the semi-finals of the Europa League following their thrilling comeback victory over French team Lyon on Thursday. They will now face Athletic Bilbao and if they manage to defeat the Spanish side and win the final, they will secure that much-coveted Champions League spot.

This could potentially see them join six of their Premier League counterparts - but how is this possible?

Traditionally, the top four teams automatically secure spots in the Champions League - and the Premier League has already earned an additional place. Due to the federation's UEFA coefficient average, this means that the fifth-place team will also qualify for the competition.

Currently, these teams include Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City. However, there could be a sixth team included in the mix, with the winners of the Europa League earning an automatic Champions League place.

Manchester United remain in the running following their victory over Lyon, while Tottenham Hotspur, their Premier League rivals, could also secure a Champions League berth if they triumph in the tournament. Ange Postecoglou's squad is poised to face Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals after defeating Eintracht Frankfurt from Germany.

Neither team will secure a European position through the league, making the Europa League their final pathway to the Champions League.

Aside from the second-tier competition, there's a scenario where a seventh Premier League team could qualify, but it hinges on Arsenal's performance.

The Gunners appear to be on track for Champions League qualification thanks to their league standing. However, if they fall out of the top five entirely in the coming weeks and win the Champions League, they would re-enter the competition.

Mikel Arteta's team is set to face French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals after defeating Real Madrid. If this scenario unfolds, the top five teams, along with the winners of both the Europa League and Champions League, would qualify, giving the Premier League seven representatives at Europe's premier footballing event.