There was a time when Manchester United could take Champions League football for granted. The prestige of European nights at Old Trafford was a given and the revenues the competition delivers were baked into the balance sheet.

United enjoyed 18 unbroken years at Europe's top table until Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement changed the course of history. Where once United were regulars in the knockout stages, qualifying for the competition is now a challenge.

There have been just six Champions League campaigns since 2013 and only one knockout tie since the spring of 2020. United are yet to play in the competition's new format, which offers eight league phase games after eight different opponents.

That should change next season. United are within touching distance of being back in the Champions League for the first time since a group stage exit in the final months of 2023. They will then have to learn the intricacies of navigating the group stage.

But whatever happens, finishing in the top 24 of a 32-team league should be a formality. That would guarantee United at least 10 games in the competition,...