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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Why Man City winning the FA Cup could be very good news for Man Utd

Manchester City are in contention to win a quadruple this season.

For a Manchester United fan it is a prospect not worthing thinking about, but one scenario could in fact benefit the Red Devils.

As things stand Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men are fifth in the Premier League, which would see them qualify for the Europa League group stages next season.

Of course they are aiming to finish fourth and to qualify for the Champions League, but they face tough competition to do so from Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Should the Red Devils take their foot off the accelerator and finish sixth they will have to go through Europa League qualifying.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to finish fifth with Man United (SIPA USA/PA Images)

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This could throw up a huge problem as Europa League qualifying matches would clash with their pre-season tour ahead of next season.

As things stand the Red Devils have July friendlies against Perth Glory (13) and Leeds (17) in the diary.

United will also make International Champions Cup appearances against Inter Milan, Tottenham and AC Milan.

Manchester City could inadvertently help United (Man City via Getty Images)

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But these could clash with their Europa League qualifying matches, which would start on July 25.

However, Manchester City could inadvertently do United a favour in this scenario, should they win the FA Cup this season.

The Citizens are favourites to do so given the fact they face Brighton in the semis and either Watford or Wolves in the final.

Manchester United were knocked out the FA Cup by Wolves (Getty Images)

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Should they win the cup, then the team who finishes sixth would automatically qualify for the Europa League group stages - bypassing qualification.

United will be hoping this happens should they slip up from now until the end of the season.

The Red Devils board are very keen on making their pre-season tour a success as it helps market the club to its global audience.

Ed Woodward has spoken out about United's pre-season tour in recent weeks (AFP/Getty Images)

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United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "These games, and the tour overall, will not only assist in our pre-season preparations, but also provide entertaining football and an opportunity to interact with our loyal fans in Australasia and Asia.

"This is will be our third visit to Singapore and our fifteenth pre-season visit to China and we're excited to be returning to both countries to play against top-class opposition there."

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