and Manchester United are just one game away from meeting in an all-English final.

And both clubs will see it as being two games away from a place in next season's .

The two teams have probably been the surprise packages in the this season for all the wrong reasons. Heading into their Europa League semi-final second legs against Bodo/Glimt and Athletic Club, are 16th in the table and United are 15th.

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It has been an atrocious campaign for both of them. But there is the silver lining of their European campaigns, with a potential final trip to Bilbao for both to look forward to.

Winning a trophy at the end of it would almost make up for the dismal season in the .

While for many it is the excitement over potentially winning a trophy - for the majority of fans that is the case - for others it will be the reward that comes with lifting the trophy - a spot in next season's .

That rule was announced by UEFA in 2014, giving added incentive for clubs in European football's second tier competition.

But, as a guest on BeIn Sports, former Arsenal manager delivered a brutal assessment of that rule and the boost it would give and United.

When asked if he agreed with the Europa League winners getting into the Champions League the Gunners legend said: "No.

"It is right if you make the decision that it is right.

"They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again, not necessarily for the Champions League, especially where you are in a league where you already have so many teams - five teams who will qualify.

"It will be looked at maybe something to think about to review, but they will say, people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused and interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize."