Arsene Wenger claims Europa League prize should be 'reviewed' as Manchester United target trophy

Arsene Wenger claims Europa League prize should be 'reviewed' as Manchester United target trophy

Man United have ambitions of winning the Europa League this season after taking a giant stride towards the final.

Arsene Wenger believes the Europa League prize should be changed. (Image: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images. )

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not believe it is right that the winner of the Europa League secures automatic qualification for the following season's Champions League.

Manchester United have taken a giant stride towards this month's Europa League final by beating Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the first leg of their semi-final showdown in Spain.

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Goals from Bruno Fernandes (2) and Casemiro mean that United are in pole position to finish the job when the two sides meet again at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with the winner looking set to face Tottenham Hotspur in the final at the San Mames Stadium on May 21.

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Spurs beat Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg of their semi-final showdown on Thursday, meaning the final of UEFA's secondary club competition looks set to be an all-English affair.

Both United and Spurs need to win the Europa League to salvage something from what have otherwise been disastrous campaigns for the clubs, with the pair currently sitting 15th and 16th in the Premier League table respectively.

With Champions League qualification for next season part of the prize for winning the Europa League, Wenger, who is now FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, has said it is a prize that should be reviewed in the future, saying automatic entry to the following season's Europa League would be a more appropriate reward.

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Asked if it is right that the Europa League winner qualifies for the Champions League, Wenger, speaking to beIN Sports, said: "No. Well, it is right if you make the decision [for the Europa League winner to get Champions League qualification].

"They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again, not necessarily for the Champions League. Especially when you're in a league where you already have too many teams, five teams, qualify.

"So, if we looked at it, maybe it is something to think about to review that.

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"On the other hand, people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated, you need that prize."

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