Man. United Hit Euro Index Low

Manchester United have slipped to their lowest Euro Club Index ranking since it began in 2007, while West Ham are up to 64th.

The ranking system - which orders teams in European top flights - has rewarded the Hammers for their big wins this season over Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. They are the biggest climbers in the entire Euro Club Index.

Their rise of seven places sees them leapfrog the likes of Bordeaux, Southampton and last season's Europa League finalists Dnipro in the Euro Club Index Ranking table

United's defeats against sides ranked much lower than them, such as Norwich, Bournemouth and Stoke, has seen them fall to 15th in the rankings - their lowest position since the table's inception.

Rivals Manchester City are eight places and 335 points ahead of Louis van Gaal's men - yet another indication of the decline that the 20-time top flight champions have suffered in recent years.

How does the Euro Club Index work?

How is your algebra and probability prowess? The methodology behind the system can be complicated. Each team is given a strength value based on results of league and continental competition from the three consecutive seasons pre-July 2007, this gives those bigger clubs a higher starting position, and a true representation of the calibre of clubs.

Then, simply put, you get more points for victories when the probability of success is lower, taking into account home advantage and strength of opponent.

In essence, the teams that perform better than expected can rise up the rankings - hence the Hammers' success - while bigger clubs who under-perform can see those below close the gap, with United's plight a prime example.

Credit: Skysports.com