As indicated by MEN, The Champions League will feature matches between Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Newcastle United the next season.
After a crushing 4-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford, United has locked up a spot in the Premier League top four. The first time around, Erik ten Hag has successfully returned to Europe's top club championship.
City might enter the competition as the holders for the upcoming season. On June 10, they take on Inter Milan in Istanbul, where Pep Guardiola aims to ultimately reclaim the Champions League crown.
Given the number of ongoing domestic leagues, the exact lineup for the Champions League is yet undetermined. However, a good number of teams have qualified, and by applying coefficient rankings, we can determine which pot each of those teams would be assigned to.
How teams are likely to line up in the group stage of the Champions League next season. (The some team's are already confirmed to participate while some could still be replaced due to domestic league's results)
Pot 1: Manchester City, Barcelona, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Benfica, PSG, Feyenoord or Inter (depending on Champions League final result), Roma or Sevilla (depending on Europa League final result)
Pot 2: Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig, Porto, Inter or Arsenal (depending on Champions League final result)
Pot 3: Arsenal or Feyenoord (depending on Champions League final result), Shakhtar, RB Salzburg, Lazio, Red Star Belgrade. Potential inclusions via the qualifying stages include Dinamo Zagreb, Rangers and Braga
Pot 4: Celtic, Newcastle United, Real Sociedad, Union Berlin, Lens. Potential inclusions via the qualifying stages include Galatasaray and Young Boys
"This season that has to be our energy and the focus, but of course we are also planning for the future, for next season and that's what we have to do," the Dutchman told Sky Sports on Thursday, after Manchester United beat Chelsea 4-1 to seal their place in the Champions League next season.
"And that is also talking with your scouting department, recruitment responsibilities, and talking with players of course."
Left back, Luke Shaw also hinted at Manchester United's goals next season which will include an attempt on winning the prestigious Europe club competition.
"Like I said before, we have to be challenging for the title with this team,” he told Sky Sports.
“With the direction this manager is going under, I’m sure we’re going to make new signings, big signings this summer."
“So hopefully we can get them done as quickly as possible so they're in for pre-season. Our aim for next season has to be winning the Premier League and the Champions League. That’s how we have to think from now on.”
Shaw noted the rise in intensity and claimed Ten Hag has offered a fresh way of thinking. He thinks that as a result, United are improved, and that competitors have taken notice of the team's revival under the Dutchman.
"I think teams around us can definitely see that United are coming back. First season under the new manager, there's always going to be a bit of transition."
"It's clear to see what he has brought in and how he's changed the way we think, the way we play."
“I think he wants to bring a lot of intensity. Everything he wants the team to do is high intensity, he wants us to be aggressive, on the front foot, pressing as high as possible.
“But also with the ball I think he’s made us better. I think we're definitely more of a threat now when we're on the ball. It's clear to see we're going in the right direction.”
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